WHP_AP_Mexican_Revolution

Overview of the Mexican Revolution

• The Mexican Revolution (1910-1920) began with the overthrow of dictator Porfirio Diaz in six months.

• Afterward, revolutionaries fought each other for the next ten years to determine the revolution's outcome.

Nature of the Revolution

• Two Revolutions:

  • The Mexican Revolution had both political and social aspects.

  • Political Revolution: Aimed to establish a new constitution and democratic governance.

  • Social Revolution: Sought to reshape the social order, including land redistribution and wealth control.

• Historical Context:

  • Similar to other revolutions like the French and American revolutions.

  • The tension between political and social ideologies led to a decade of violence.

Key Figures and Events

• Porfirio Diaz (1830-1915):

  • Ruled Mexico from 1876 to 1911; allowed for elections but used military and police to suppress dissent.

  • His regime favored wealthy landowners and foreign investments at the expense of the poor.

  • Economic crises and droughts in the early 1900s set the stage for revolution.

• Francisco Madero (1873-1913):

  • Criticized Diaz and founded the Anti-Re-electionist Party.

  • Escaped to the U.S. after being imprisoned and called for revolution on November 20, 1910, promoting land reform and political freedom.

  • Elected president in 1911 but was soon overthrown and executed during "Ten Tragic Days" in February 1913.

Revolution's Progression and Divisions

• Division Among Revolutionaries:

  • Madero focused on political reform while other leaders, like Pancho Villa and Emiliano Zapata, pushed for social reforms.

  • Villa led the División del Norte, the largest military force in the revolution, while Zapata focused on guerrilla warfare in the south.

• Huerta's Dictatorship:

  • General Victoriano Huerta overthrew Madero with U.S. support and declared himself dictator.

  • His regime faced opposition from various revolutionary factions.

The Fight for Control (1913-1920)

• Factions:

  • Conventionistas: Led by Villa and Zapata, called for land reforms and social justice.

  • Constitutionalistas: Led by Venustiano Carranza and Álvaro Obregón, aimed for a liberal democratic state.

• Civil War (1915-1917):

  • Marked the bloodiest phase of the revolution, resulting in over one million deaths.

• Constitution of 1917:

  • Drafted by Constitutionalistas, included political and economic rights but was often disregarded in practice.

Aftermath and Legacy (1920-1940)

• Consolidation of Power:

  • The election of Álvaro Obregón in 1920 is often seen as the end of the revolution.

  • Violence continued, with uprisings occurring regularly through the 1920s.

  • Lázaro Cárdenas enacted significant reforms in the mid-1930s, including land redistribution and nationalization of industries.

• Revolutionary Effects:

  • The revolution resulted in over one million deaths and widespread migration to the U.S.

  • Established a new political order with universal education and labor rights but left many inequalities unaddressed.

  • Women played crucial roles but achieved few advancements, gaining the right to vote only in 1953.

• Monumento a la Revolución:

  • Symbolizes the complex legacy of the revolution, reflecting both progress and ongoing challenges.