Between North and South: North Americanization in Mexico and Chile in the early 20th century. A comparative approach

American cultural influences on Chile and Mexico took shape during the first third of the 20th century. In spite of all geographic and historical differences between the two countries, it is possible to find similarities in their "North Americanization" processes. The greater ease to travel and the flow of cultural symbols through mass media ruled out geographic proximity as a previous condition for their encounter with American culture. On the one side, a similar setting developed in urban centers of both countries while, on the other, American influence was viewed by many Chileans and Mexicans as a threat that needed to be stopped and resisted. It is noteworthy that both countries resorted to the promotion of their own cultures as a form of defense against foreign influences.