For Christ and Country

Why did Jos de Len Toral kill lvaro Obregn leader of the Mexican Revolution? So far historians have characterized the motivations of the young Catholic militant as the fruit of fanaticism. This book offers new insights on how diverse sectors experienced the aftermath of the Revolution by exploring the religious political and cultural contentions of the 1920s. Far from an isolated fanatic Len Toral represented a generation of Mexicans who believed that the revolution had unleashed ancient barbarism sinful consumerism and anticlerical tyranny. Facing attacks against the Catholic essence of Mexican nationalism they emphasized asceticism sacrifice and the redemptive potential of violence. Their reckless enthusiasm to launch assaults was a sign of their devotion. Len Toral insisted that ''only God'' was his accomplice; in fact he was cheered by thousands who dreamed of bringing the Kingdom of Christ to beleaguered Mexico.