Introduction to Rescue by Mexico

Mexico had always viewed itself as a refuge and safe haven in the Western Hemisphere.  In the early 19th Century through the end of the US Civil War, Mexico became a haven for runaway African American slaves from the South.  The Mexican constitution guaranteed that they would not be returned to slavery.  Ironically, after the Civil War, many former Confederate soldiers left the United States and settled in Mexico.

Mexico was also a safe haven for political refugees from Central and South America in the 19th and early 20th Centuries. 

Gilberto Bosques and his contemporaries were all part of the Mexican revolution of 1910.  Bosques and his contemporaries were strongly influenced by socialist ideology.  Bosques himself even influenced the philosophy of the local state constitution in Puebla.

The Mexican constitution of 1917 was founded on the principles of economic, social and political equality for all people in Mexico.  The principles of the revolution, as embodied in the constitution, were particularly important in protecting the rights of the poor and lower social classes in Mexico.  The principles of the revolution included redistribution of land to the farming class, guarantee of religious freedom without interference of a strong church, and universal education.

The influx of Spanish Republican and Jewish refugees and others had an important influence on Mexico.  Among the refugees were some of the most prominent political, social, economic and artistic leaders in Europe.  The influx of these refugees who came to Mexico City from Europe promulgated a golden age for Mexico in the 1940s and 1950s.  The Mexican fashion industry, along with decorative arts and jewelry, was also greatly affected.  The refugees also founded a number of clubs and entertainment institutions in the capital city.  Their contribution to Mexican culture is still influential to this day.  Refugees founded or expanded universities, museums, galleries, theaters and other cultural and educational institutions.

Updated October 29, 2017