Estudios Fronterizos (Jul 2007)
Baja California’s settlements and the influence of population policies during the Cardenista era
Abstract
Baja California's demographic growth rate during the 20th century was vertiginous: at an annual average of 5.8%, it was the highest rate in the country. This phenomenon has been generally explained as a result of processes beginning in the mid 19th century as well as of dependency relations and the trade imbalance with California. The direct influence of central policies has been, to a great extent, ignored. Therefore, this article analyzes the way in which the Mexican state implemented population policies and their impact. In particular, it focuses on the Lázaro Cárdenas regime, when the "colonization" of Baja California with Mexicans was strongly advocated.
