The Economic Progress of the United States as Viewed by the Spanish Travelers of the First Third of the 20th Century

Abstract

This article analyzes the economic image of the United States built by the Spanish travelers of the first third of the 20th century, which until now had not been specifically studied. For some, this country was a model of economic modernization to be imitated, based on technological innovation, big business and good governance, which generated prosperity and opportunities for all. For others, however, North American capitalism was a bad example, given its negative moral and social effects (materialism, dehumanizing standardization, machinism, monopolies, inequality, etc.). Interestingly, the anti- and pro-American economic arguments were elaborated indistinctly by both “progressive” and conservative authors.