Spain and Mexico: Diplomatic Relations, Business and Finances during the Porftriato

This dossier deals with two major aspects of Spanish-Mexican re­lations during the Porfirian era: the smoothening out of the dip­lomatic relations between both countries after decades of frictions and ruptures, and the consequent growth in emigrants from Spain to Mexico, where they were able to develop modern capitalist ventures in tune with the goals of the govemment itself. By studying the expansion of individuals and groups throughout the country it is possible to assert that these Spaniards profited from the traditional migrant networks, but also had the personal and entrepreneurial qualities which allowed them to create sorne of the most powetful commercial, industrial and banking Spanish-Mexican enterprises at the time. Until the Revolution, Spaniards in Mexico formed a tightly united and privileged com­munity