Latin america - history

Life under Porfirio Díaz

• Díaz ruled Mexico for about 35 years — called the Porfiriato.

• He brought economic growth (railroads, industry, foreign investment).

• But only the rich benefited — the poor and peasants suffered.

• Land was taken from farmers; workers were paid little and had no rights.

• Freedom of speech and elections were limited.

Causes of the Mexican Revolution (1910–1920)

Causes:

• Unfair land system (rich owned most land).

• No democracy — Díaz never gave up power.

• Poverty and worker mistreatment.

• Desire for change among peasants and the middle class.

Effects:

• Civil war broke out.

• Many people died and lands were destroyed.

• New leaders emerged.

• Eventually, Mexico wrote a new constitution (1917) to fix problems.

why people were unhappy

• Peasants lost land.

• Poor got poorer, rich got richer.

• Unfair government (no real elections).

• Workers and farmers wanted better lives.

what happened as a result 

• The Mexican Revolution began in 1910.

• Díaz fled the country in 1911.

• Different groups fought for control (chaos and violence for years).

Who took control after

• Francisco Madero first (wanted democracy) → assassinated.

• Then Victoriano Huerta (military dictator) → overthrown.

• Venustiano Carranza eventually gained power → helped make Constitution of 1917.

constitution of 1917

• Promised land reform (give land back to peasants).

• Gave workers rights (fair wages, unions).

• Separated church and state (less church power).

• Allowed free public education.

• Set up a democratic government (on paper, at least).

forms of nationalism in mexico

• Economic nationalism: Mexico wanted to control its own resources (like oil).

• Cultural nationalism: Pride in Mexican culture, art, and history (e.g., murals by Diego Rivera).

• Political nationalism: Wanted to be independent from U.S. or European influence.