Includes bibliographical references and index.

Introduction: Map of the system / Jeffrey M. Pilcher -- Independent spirits, 1750-1850. Josefa Ordonez : the scandalous adventures of a colonial courtesan / Linda A. Curcio-Nagy -- Fray Servando Teresa de Mier : Anahuac's angry apostle / Karen Racine -- Lucas Balderas : popular leader and patriot / Pedro Santoni -- Heirs of the Reforma, 1850-1910. Agnes Salm-Salm : an American princess in Maximilian's Mexico / David Coffey, Eugenia Roldan Vera -- Felipe Garcia and the real heroes of Guelatao / Patrick J. McNamara -- Alejandro Prieto : Cientifico from the provinces / Glen David Kuecker -- Juana Belen Gutierrez de Mendoza : woman of words, woman of actions / Susie S. Porter -- Revolutionary generations, 1910-1940. "Te amo muncho": the love letters of Pedro and Enriqueta / William E. French -- Rosa Torre Gonzalez : soldadera and feminist / Sarah A. Buck -- Nahui Olin : the general's daughter disrobes / Anne Rubenstein -- Lic. Moises T. de la Pena : the economist on horseback / Enrique C. Ochoa -- Mexicans in the global village, 1940 to the present. Maria Felix and Agustin Lara : a public romance / Andrew G. Wood -- Josefina Velazquez de Leon : apostle of the enchilada / Jeffrey M. Pilcher -- Armando Nava and Los Dug Dug's : rock musicians / Eric Zolov -- Gabriel Espindola Martinez : tequila master / Jose Orozco.