This historical overview of Mexico explores at every opportunity what it is that makes contemporary Mexico the fascinating and vibrant melange of cultures that it is. Embracing an exuberant array of ethnic diversity?including Amerindian, African-American, and European cultures?Mexico is emblematic of much of the clash and combination of cultures that characterizes virtually all of Latin America, from the earliest European conquest and colonization to the present day, The Mexicans: A Sense of Culture captures and reveals the intriguing complexities of daily life in Mexico, from its artistic pursuits to its political and economic patterns.