In the 19th century, modernity existed as an unresolved dilemma. In the first decades of the 20th century, with the emergence of mass society, urbanization and industrialization, the processes of modernity were presented as the "great alternative" to the political, social and economic problems of Latin America. As the century progressed, the processes of industrialization, education and popular governments accelerated in many countries. Thus, an opposition arises between the different models of development; inputs that originate the "Debates around modernity in Latin America". Quantitative variables such as technology, economy, environment and qualitative variables such as history, culture and religion come into play. An easy to read text, both for specialists and for the general public, which provides information on this Modern Project, totally contemporary and far from being finished in Latin America.