This book fills a significant gap in the scholarship of the Mexican revolution by providing a detailed history of the northeastern state of Coahuila from the late Portifirian era to approximately 1920. It evaluates social, political, and economic developments that contributed to revolutionary activity within Coahuila and helped to shape the movements led by Francisco I. Madero and Venustiano Carranza.

The Spririt of Hidalgo also examines the social bases and characteristics of support for Madero, Carranza, and other revolutionary factions. Pasztor also explores the role played by the extensive Coahuila-Texas border in financing the Mexican revolution. Finally, the immediate outcomes of the revolution are addressed through a study of the reforms introduced during the governorships of Carranza and Gustavo Espinosa Mireles.