History and Current Affairs of Mexico: From Cárdenas to the 21st Century

Government of Lázaro Cárdenas del Río ($1934$–$1940$)

The administration of Lázaro Cárdenas del Río, which presided over Mexico from the year $1934$ to $1940$, represented a period of significant social and structural transformation. A cornerstone of his tenure was the Oil Expropriation (Expropiación Petrolera) carried out in the year $1938$, a move that successfully recovered control of petroleum resources for the Mexican nation. Cárdenas was also a champion of the "reparto agrario," a process of land distribution where he delivered significant tracts of land to Mexican peasants (campesinos).

Beyond agrarian reform, the Cárdenas government was known for its robust support of trade unions and the rights of workers. In the educational sphere, he promoted a model of socialist education designed to modernize and reform the nation's social fabric. Collectively, these actions served to significantly strengthen Mexican nationalism during the mid-$20$th century.

Creation of the CTM ($1936$)

In the year $1936$, the Confederación de Trabajadores de México (CTM) was established during the presidency of Lázaro Cárdenas. This confederation grew to become the principal and most influential labor organization in the country. Its primary mandate was the defense of labor rights for the working class. Throughout its existence, the CTM maintained a consistently close relationship with the federal government, acting as a pivotal link between the state and the labor sector.

Government of Manuel Ávila Camacho ($1940$–$1946$)

Manuel Ávila Camacho served as the president of Mexico between the years $1940$ and $1946$. His administration was defined by the promotion of the "Unidad Nacional" (National Unity) policy, which sought to bring various political and social factions together. This period coincided with the Second World War, in which Mexico participated as an ally. Key achievements of his term include the creation of the Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social (IMSS) in the year $1943$, as well as a focused drive toward industrialization and general economic growth.

Creation and Function of the IMSS ($1943$)

The Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social (IMSS) was founded in the year $1943$ and remains one of the most vital healthcare and social security institutions in Mexico. Its primary function is to provide medical attention to the nation's workforce. In addition to health services, the institution is responsible for providing pensions, managing disability benefits (incapacidades), and operating nurseries (guarderías) for the children of workers.

Evolution and Influence of the PRI

The political landscape of modern Mexico was dominated for decades by a party that underwent several name changes and ideological shifts. The party was originally founded in the year $1929$ as the PNR (Partido Nacional Revolucionario). In the year $1938$, under Cárdenas, it was transformed into the PRM (Partido de la Revolución Mexicana). Finally, in the year $1946$, it became the PRI (Partido Revolucionario Institucional). The PRI governed Mexico for a continuous period of more than $70$ years, exerting an immense amount of political and social influence over the country's development.

Government of Miguel Alemán Valdés ($1946$–$1952$)

Miguel Alemán Valdés held the presidency from the year $1946$ to $1952$. He is historically significant for being the first civilian president of modern Mexico, following a long line of revolutionary generals. His government focused heavily on infrastructure, specifically the construction of roads and highways, while also providing significant support to the tourism industry. While he was successful in driving industrial development and urban expansion, his administration also faced heavy criticism due to issues of corruption.

Government of Adolfo López Mateos ($1958$–$1964$)

During the term of Adolfo López Mateos from $1958$ to $1964$, the Mexican government nationalized the electric industry. His administration was also responsible for the creation of the ISSSTE (Instituto de Seguridad y Servicios Sociales de los Trabajadores del Estado), which provides social security to government employees. Additionally, he established the program for free textbooks (libros de texto gratuitos) and worked to expand access to education and various social welfare programs.

Government of Gustavo Díaz Ordaz ($1964$–$1970$)

The presidency of Gustavo Díaz Ordaz, ranging from $1964$ to $1970$, is most notably remembered for the student movement of $1968$. This movement culminated in the Matanza de Tlatelolco (Tlatelolco Massacre), a tragic event that significantly tarnished his legacy. His administration was frequently criticized for its authoritarian nature and its reliance on repression. During this same period, Mexico hosted the Olympic Games in the year $1968$.

Government of Carlos Salinas de Gortari ($1988$–$1994$)

Carlos Salinas de Gortari was the president of Mexico from $1988$ to $1994$. His administration was defined by a transition toward neoliberal policies and the acceleration of globalization. A major milestone of his government was the signing of the North American Free Trade Agreement (TLCAN/NAFTA) with the United States and Canada. He also oversaw the privatization of various state-owned public companies and pushed for general economic modernization.

Government of Enrique Peña Nieto ($2012$–$2018$)

From the year $2012$ to $2018$, Enrique Peña Nieto implemented a series of structural reforms covering education, energy, and telecommunications. His energy reform was particularly notable for allowing increased private investment into the sector. The overarching goal of these reforms was to bolster Mexico's economic competitiveness on an international scale.

Government of Andrés Manuel López Obrador ($2018$–$2024$)

Andrés Manuel López Obrador served as president from $2018$ to $2024$ and promoted a program of governance known as the "Cuarta Transformación" (Fourth Transformation). His administration was characterized by the widespread expansion of social programs and the construction of massive infrastructure projects, such as the Tren Maya and the AIFA (Felipe Ángeles International Airport). Despite these initiatives, his government faced significant criticism regarding national security and crime rates.

Government of Claudia Sheinbaum ($2024$–Present)

Claudia Sheinbaum assumed the presidency in the year $2024$, making history as the first woman to hold the office of President of Mexico. Her administration has focused on maintaining and continuing the social programs established by the previous government. She seeks to further strengthen projects related to national infrastructure and the general welfare and social wellbeing of the population.

Principal Changes in Mexico during the 21st Century

In the $21$st century, Mexico has undergone significant political, economic, and social changes. Politically, the country has seen the alternation of power between different political parties, an increase in citizen participation, and a gradual strengthening of democratic processes. Economically, the country has integrated further into the global economy, adopted new technologies, and expanded its international trade. Socially, there has been an increase in access to education, a significant rise in the political participation of women, and notable advancements in the area of human rights.

Current Principal Problematic Issues in Mexico

Despite its progress, modern Mexico faces several severe challenges across multiple sectors. In terms of security, the country continues to struggle with high levels of violence and the prevalence of organized crime, leading to insecurity in numerous regions. Economically, the nation is challenged by inflation, high rates of poverty, and deep-seated inequality. The education sector faces a significant educational lag (rezago educativo) and a notable lack of infrastructure in schools.

Healthcare in Mexico often suffers from hospital saturation and unequal access to medical services depending on the region or social status. Environmental concerns have become increasingly urgent, including water scarcity, pollution, and the broader effects of climate change. Finally, migration is a dual-edged issue, involving both the migration of Mexicans to the United States and the transit of Central American migrants through Mexico as they head north.