Not even that long ago. There is a Texas museum in SAN Antonio, and has Mexican Army uniforms. They were at least a foot shorter than I am, and I’m only average height. My grandmother was only 4’8” and was considered to be average in height.
Agree with ‘not even that long ago ...’
Some time back there was an article by a M.E. person writing in support of the USA’a efforts over there fighting terrorism. In his quotes were a few comments about the American soldiers, very complimentary. He mentioned how much bigger the Americans were than the locals. Stronger, faster, and smarter also.
Our lifestyle and superior medical system is probably a lot of the reason. I am only 5’10” but all three of my sons are over 6 feet!
To see Mexican army uniforms swing by the National Museum at Cultectepec Castle (sp) in Mexico City. Santa Anna’s general dress uniform is on display. He was in the 4’8” range. BTW this is the Halls of Montezuma place. The very strongly built castle is on top of a several hundred foot tall, steep wooded rock. Essentially, the Marines assaulted a near impenetrable medieval castle.