Mexican Revolution

Details about the Mexico Revolution

What made the term "revolutionary" unique in Mexico?

It includes social reform, infrastructure, and economic development—not just radical ideology.

What were key ideals of the Mexican Revolution (1910)?

Land for workers, right to strike, national subsoil ownership, and public service nationalization.

What were some achievements of the revolution?

Rural schools, ejidos, dams, roads, and freedom of expression.It led to the establishment of rural education systems, the creation of ejidos (communal landholdings), the construction of dams and roads, and greater freedom of expression for citizens.

Who was Porfirio Díaz and why was he overthrown?

A dictator whose repression and economic inequality led to revolution in Mexico, resulting in his ousting in 1911.

What was Madero’s goal?

Establish democracy and land reform (Plan of San Luis Potosí).He sought to oust dictator Porfirio Díaz and implement political reforms that ensured fair elections and equitable land distribution. However he ended up corrupt himself.

What did Zapata advocate for?

Immediate land reform and return of stolen lands (Plan of Ayala).

What made Villa a unique leader?

Used guerrilla tactics and created battlefield hospitals; admired but also brutal.

What event triggered U.S. intervention in Mexico in 1914?

The Tampico Incident, followed by the occupation of Veracruz by U.S. forces to protect American interests and support a stable government but resulted in a protracted conflict between the United States and Mexican revolutionary factions.

What was the significance of the Battle of Celaya?

Obregón’s modern tactics defeated Villa, marking his military decline.This battle was pivotal in establishing Obregón's leadership and highlighted the effectiveness of military modernization in the Mexican Revolution.

What did the 1917 Constitution introduce?

Land redistribution, workers’ rights, and anti-clerical laws that aimed to address social inequalities and promote economic reforms in Mexico.

How did the Revolution affect urbanization?

Cities grew, middle-class jobs increased, and illiteracy dropped.

Why did manufacturing outpace agriculture in the 1930s?

Urban migration, infrastructure investment, and peso devaluation.

What was a key outcome of Calles’ economic reforms?

Creation of a central bank, nationalized oil, and public works programs.

What was Vicente Lombardo Toledano’s vision for labor?

Labor should act as a watchdog of the government, advocating for Marxist reforms.

How did Cárdenas enforce the 1917 Constitution?

Nationalized oil and expanded ejido land programs.Cárdenas implemented land reforms and strengthened labor rights.

What led to Madero’s downfall?

Betrayal by Huerta and support from U.S. Ambassador Henry Lane Wilson.Madero's inability to unite revolutionary factions and deal with ongoing social unrest contributed significantly. Madero's lack of military support and failure to address economic issues also played a role in his demise.

What was the Cristero Rebellion about?

Catholic resistance to anti-clerical laws in the 1920s.

The Cristero Rebellion was a widespread uprising in Mexico during the late 1920s in response to the government's strict enforcement of anti-Catholic policies, including the persecution of clergy and the confiscation of church property.

Who was Joaquín Amaro?

A general who professionalized and unified the Mexican military. He played a key role in modernizing military strategies and promoting discipline among troops.

What did Madero argue in the Plan of San Luis Potosí?

That the 1910 elections were fraudulent and that revolution was necessary to restore democracy and land justice.Madero argued that the elections were rigged and asserted that a revolution was essential to reinstate democracy and ensure land justice for the Mexican people.

What triggered Zapata’s break from Madero?

Madero’s refusal to immediately return lands, prompting Zapata to issue the Plan of Ayala.Zapata's demand for agrarian reform and Madero's inaction on land redistribution led to tension, causing Zapata to break from Madero and advocate for land rights through the Plan of Ayala.

What was the outcome of the Plan of Ayala?

Zapata declared Madero a traitor and called for the return and redistribution of stolen lands. It ultimately failed to achieve its goals, leading to continued conflict and highlighting the struggles for land reform in Mexico.

Why did U.S. Ambassador Henry Lane Wilson support Huerta’s coup?

He believed Madero threatened U.S. investments and preferred a stable conservative leader. Wilson supported Huerta's coup because he viewed Madero's presidency as a threat to American investments in Mexico and believed that a conservative government under Huerta would provide more stability and security for U.S. interests.

What happened during the Battle of Celaya (April 1915)?

Villa’s cavalry was devastated by Obregón’s use of trenches, barbed wire, and machine guns. This significant battle marked a turning point in the Mexican Revolution, showcasing modern warfare tactics that led to Villa's defeat.

What marked the end of Villa's military power?

His defeat at Hermosillo and loss of support after 1915.

Why was the meeting between Villa and Zapata significant?

It symbolized unity between northern and southern revolutionaries, though it was short-lived.

What did Zapata do to alleged traitors in Ayala?

Executed them personally, showing his extreme ruthlessness.

What was the goal of the 1917 Constitutional Convention?

To institutionalize the goals of the Revolution through progressive reforms.

How did Article 27 of the 1917 Constitution impact land ownership?

It allowed the government to expropriate and redistribute land, emphasizing national control of natural resources.

What worker protections were included in Article 123?

8-hour workday, maternity leave, minimum wage, and profit-sharing.

What was the main anticlerical policy in the 1917 Constitution?

Church influence was restricted—clergy couldn’t vote or hold public office, and religious schools were banned.

Who were the Sonoran Dynasty leaders?

Obregón, Calles, and De la Huerta, who ruled Mexico from 1920–1933.

What was the role of the PNR (National Revolutionary Party)?

Created in 1929 to unify factions and stabilize politics after years of revolution.

How did Calles rule after his presidency ended in 1928?

Through puppet presidents as the jefe máximo of the revolution.Calles maintained control by influencing the decisions of his successors, ensuring his policies continued.

What reforms did Calles implement in the economy?

Created the Central Bank, National Road Commission, and National Bank of Agricultural Credit. He also promoted agrarian reform and supported industrialization.

What health problems plagued Mexico during Calles’ presidency?

Poor sanitation, overcrowding, contaminated water, and widespread malnutrition.

These health issues led to high rates of disease and mortality, significantly impacting public health and productivity.

What was the role of soldaderas in the revolution?

Women who followed armies—cooking, caring for the wounded, and sometimes fighting.

How was pulque both a cultural tradition and a health issue?

Widely consumed, but often unsanitary, contributing to poor public health.