Mexican Revolution and Muralism
19th Century Review
The 19th century was the era of nation-building in Latin America, a theme prominent in the works of Sariento and Marti.
It was also a century marked by the search for greater equality, evident in Jose Marti's approach to national identity and Machado de Assis's criticism of slavery.
20th Century Themes: Revolution, Dictatorship, and Democratization
The 20th century is often viewed as an era of revolution, with significant events like the Russian Revolution of 1917 and the Chinese Revolution of 1947.
In Latin America, key revolutions include the Mexican Revolution, the Cuban Revolution, and the Sandinista Revolution in Nicaragua (1979).
However, the 20th century also saw the rise of right-wing fascist dictatorships and military coups, such as those in Argentina, Chile, and Uruguay in the 1970s.
Another perspective is the struggle for democratization in many Latin American countries, including Mexico.
Historical Perspective: Interpretations of History
History is not just what happened, but also how people interpret what happened.
Understanding different interpretations of the Mexican and Cuban Revolutions is crucial, focusing on how writers, intellectuals, and artists viewed these events.
The final exam will emphasize these interpretations, exploring both supporters and critics of the Cuban Revolution.
Mexican Revolution: Historical Background
The presentation will focus on key figures and social/political themes of the Mexican Revolution.
No need to memorize all names, but understanding their roles helps in grasping interpretations by figures like Octavio Paz and Juan Rulfo.
Concept of Revolution: Octavio Paz
Referencing Octavio Paz, Mexico's Nobel laureate in literature (1990).
His book, "Labyrinth of Solitude" (1950), explores Mexican character, identity, and history.
Essay "Revolution or Rebellion" (1960s) defines revolution as a break with the past and a move towards a new society, driven by an idea or ideology.
Revolts and rebellions are more spontaneous, lacking an overarching ideology.
Mexico After Independence
Post-independence Mexico faced political unrest, similar to Argentina.
The mid-19th century saw efforts to establish a more stable government.
The French invasion in the 1860s was resisted under the leadership of Benito Juarez, a liberal and progressive president of indigenous background.
Porfirio Diaz and the Porfiriato
After Benito Juarez, Porfirio Diaz, a mestizo from Oaxaca, rose to power through a military uprising, initially respecting term limits but later establishing a dictatorship.
The Porfiriato (1876-1880, 1884-1911) was characterized by economic development and industrialization, including railway construction.
However, it also involved political repression, restricted liberties, growing inequality, and fraudulent elections.
Labor conflicts and strikes were violently suppressed, leading to increasing discontent.
Francisco Madero and the Revolution's Start
In 1906, Porfirio Diaz hinted at stepping down in an interview, but he later decided to run again in 1910, sparking anger.
Francisco Madero, from a wealthy family, emerged as a prominent figure against Diaz, advocating for democracy and publishing a book promoting his ideas.
Madero was arrested before the elections but fled to San Antonio and called for an uprising in November 1910, marking the start of the Mexican Revolution.
Madero's agenda was primarily political, focusing on democracy rather than social or economic issues.
Initial Success and Madero's Presidency
The rebellion gained momentum, leading to a decisive battle in Ciudad Juarez in May 1911, where the federal army was defeated.
Porfirio Diaz went into exile, commenting that Madero had "unleashed a tiger."
Madero became the democratically elected president of Mexico in October 1911, after an interim president held power temporarily.
Unfulfilled Expectations and Continued Conflict
Madero's focus on democratic reforms disappointed many revolutionary factions seeking social and economic changes, particularly land reform.
Madero retained many Porfiriato officials and did not disband the federal army, leading to continued fighting.
Emiliano Zapata and the Agrarian Movement
Emiliano Zapata, from the southern state of Morelos, led a movement of oppressed peasants seeking land reform.
Zapata's plan, the Plan de Ayala, advocated for a return to pre-Columbian communal land-holding systems.
His rebellion was primarily indigenous-based and focused in the south of Mexico.
In 1994, the Zapatista Army of National Liberation (EZLN) identified with Zapata's project, staging an uprising in Chiapas. They wanted a return to pre-columbian system of land holding.
Pancho Villa and Northern Mexico
Pancho Villa, from the north, led a movement against the wealthy and landowners, representing people of modest means.
The economy in the North was different from the South, but it was also a movement "from below."
Pancho Villa was known for his charisma and cruelty, commanding the División del Norte.
He had a close relationship with Madero and fought in the battle of Ciudad Juarez.
Victoriano Huerta and Madero's Assassination
Madero faced rebellions from Zapata and others, struggling to maintain control.
In February 1913, General Victoriano Huerta, a holdover from the Porfiriato, betrayed Madero during an uprising in Mexico City.
Madero and his vice president were assassinated by Huerta's forces, who then seized power.
The US ambassador, Henry Lane Wilson, played a role in plotting Madero's overthrow.
Revolutionary Forces Against Huerta
The revolutionary forces reorganized to fight against Huerta. Zapata and Villa continued their struggles.
Venustiano Carranza, a governor during the Porfiriato, led the constitutionalist faction against Huerta, with Álvaro Obregón as a key military leader.
The forces that helped Carranza were from humble backgrounds.
Huerta was overthrown in June 1914 and went into exile.
Division and Continued Fighting
The revolutionary forces divided after overthrowing Huerta, failing to reach an agreement at the convention in Aguascalientes in late 1914.
A split occurred between Zapata and Villa (representing the Fuerzas Populares) and Carranza and Obregón (the constitutionalists), leading to further conflict.
Zapata and Villa's Occupation of Mexico City
Zapata and Villa's troops occupied Mexico City in December 1914, a unique but uncomfortable moment for both leaders.
They withdrew from the city, giving an advantage to the constitutionalists.
Constitutionalists Take Power
Álvaro Obregón defeated Pancho Villa at the Battle of Celaya, enabling the constitutionalists to take power and establish a new government.
Pancho Villa was eventually defeated, and the constitutionalists were able to take power and then set up a new government and promulgate a new constitution.
A deal was struck with him, he was given a large hacienda. Eventually assasinated in 1923. Carranza ordered the assassination of Emiliano Zapata (1919).
Carranza became president and a new constitution was promulgated in 1917.
Aftermath and Constitution of 1917
Carranza was assassinated in 1920, and Obregón came into power, later assassinated in 1928.
The Constitution of 1917 was a radical document with anti-Catholic clauses and provisions allowing the state to claim ownership of land and resources.
Lázaro Cárdenas and Nationalization
President Lázaro Cárdenas (elected in 1934) nationalized the oil companies in the 1930s based on the Constitution, asserting Mexican ownership of its resources.
Many said the revolution continued into the 1930, with measures taken by Cardenas.
Plutarco Elias Calles was also a president of Mexico (1924-1928).
The aftermath of the Mexican Revolution is almost as interesting as the Revolution itself. The reading by Juan Rulfo is actually about this and land reform.
Introduction to Mexican Muralists
The main muralist painters are José Clemente Orozco, Diego Rivera, and David Alfaro Siqueiros.
The presentation will discuss their aesthetics, connections to other movements, the role of the state, and representative murals.
Importance of Mexican Muralism
Mexican muralism is tied to citizenship making, nation-building, and shaping ideas about national identity.
The concern about national identity and Mexican origins. They were like babies who want their baby to be fed.
Mexican Revolution was this big shape of a nation looking their identities.
It made the masses the hero of an event, unlike in the past were painting depicted heroes, generals, and kings.
The masses were laborers, indigenous people, and the poor.
Muralist Painters: Orozco, Rivera, and Siqueiros
José Clemente Orozco started as a cartoonist, making lithographic work and he was from Glisco.
Moved to Mexico City for opportunities and studied at Escuela de Bellas Artes and Escuela Preparatoria.
His main themes often depicted the struggles of workers, abuse of power, and inequality in Mexican society. He also addresses mixed race.
The person also studied engineering, but then he pursued art.
Diego Rivera was born in Guanajuato and it was also obsessed with the French Culture.
Moved to Mexico City at age six and studied art. Received a fellowship to study in Europe.
In contact with the avant-garde movement, including Picasso. He learned about Diego Rivera from El Greco, Velazquez.
Moved to Mexico from Europe and joined movement in order to publicize the Mexican Revolution ideals, like social justice.
David Alfaro Siqueiros Born in Mexico City, fought and signed for Carranza. He went to Paris and got in contact with the impressionist, Cubists, and studied frescos in Italy.
Joined the Commuinist party and the Spanish war. ### Muralist Painters: Orozco, Rivera, and Siqueiros - José Clemente Orozco - Started as a cartoonist, making lithographic work. - From Glisco. - Moved to Mexico City for opportunities and studied at Escuela de Bellas Artes and Escuela Preparatoria. - His main themes often depicted the struggles of workers, abuse of power, and inequality in Mexican society. - He also addresses mixed race. - Studied engineering before pursuing art. - Diego Rivera - Born in Guanajuato and was obsessed with French Culture. - Moved to Mexico City at age six and studied art. - Received a fellowship to study in Europe. - In contact with the avant-garde movement, including Picasso. - Learned about Diego Rivera from El Greco, Velazquez. - Moved to Mexico from Europe and joined movement to publicize the Mexican Revolution ideals, like social justice. - David Alfaro Siqueiros - Born in Mexico City, fought and signed for Carranza. - Went to Paris and got in contact with the Impressionists and Cubists. - Studied frescos in Italy. - Joined the Communist party and fought in the Spanish Civil War.
Key Period and Artistic Influences
The main art production was done from 1920 to 1940.
The artists all traveled to Europe and were influenced by avant-garde movements. Rivera also adopted cubism.
Orozco Also started as a cartoonist, which can also be seen in his murals.
David Alfaro was committed to experiment different styles by using spring paint, like Pollack.
Bringing Art to the People
The aim was to bring art to people and have it as a pedagogical tool. This can help them learn how the nation was built and to adopt the identity of the art.
Not everybody had money so they just brought art to the masses.
Through this new paining style, a new identity was built.
State Involvement and Controversies
The artists receive funding from the government to create the art. This can be complicated because the artists could be in trouble.
They might create something that goes against what the estate is pushing to the public.
An example of a artist using these funds, was a Rockefeller. In 1930, he did not like his work so he just blew it up.
Mexico is a very unique case of how to give fellowships.
The creation of the callkulta, encourage new artist to publicize art of any field. However, there is a downside, like the situation with Sebastiian, the sculptor. This has led corruption or misuse of funds.
Key Concepts and Quotes
The Nurist movement was first and foremost, a discovery of Mexico present and past. It was the moment of the Mexican to show more interest in their past and present. The Mexican had the opportunity to connect with this type of heritage and ancestry/ancestry.
Mural Details and Artists
Examples of different painters and their most know painters.
Orozco: Portraying Herman Cortez and the conquest for a different perspective, like in the interior of Escuela Propertorio.
Rivera: Commissioned, it made to be part of the Rockefeller Building, but they blew it up
A detail in the paining is Leon Trotsky. He was very close to Diego Rivera and they were from Russia, Russian Communist.
David Alfaro. Plazo de Valsars and also the scene of torture Fktemc. Torture by the Spaniards.
These painters are going to show you different art aspects like in the mural from Porphyrism to Revolution.
Learn about Mexican Muralism
Some works from Viago Rivera are in the Bay area/San Francisco.
You can also go to Cayo Vera to see a mural and also other places.