Early Mexican Presidents and the reign of Porfirio Diaz Objective: SWBAT Identify characteristics of early Mexican government by filling out a note-taking organizer. Just like America, Mexico has had its share of good and bad leaders since it gained independence from Spain. Entry Task: What makes a good President?

Getting information from a PowerPoint Academic ExpectationsBehavior Expectations 1.Listen carefully, paying attention to both the slides and the speaker. 2.As we progress through the slides, answer the questions on your organizer. *Note: the answers are not in the presentation word-for-word. Volume: 0 (Teacher presentation… raise hands for questions) Movement: seated at your desk Participation: -Answer each question on your sheet and be ready to explain your thinking!

A Free Mexico After declaring independence from Spain, Benito Jaurez was named the first president of Mexico in Benito Juarez was a poor, orphaned native Mexican. While the U.S. was embroiled in a civil war, Juarez led his nation by becoming a champion for Democracy and human rights.

Jaurez’ big policies: Jaurez focused on education, building public schools He increased separation of church and state He also encouraged foreign companies to come work in Mexico. These companies helped build infrastructure, such as roads, rails, and bridges. Infrastructure – the physical and organizational structures needed for a society to operate.

Four Corners Respond to each of the following three prompts by quickly, quietly, safely walking to the sign that corresponds to your belief. Be ready to explain why you hold your opinion. No in-betweeners; you must take a stand!

Most rich people are rich as a result of talent and hard work.

It’s better for some people to be rich and some to be poor than for everyone to be in the middle.

Land reform Took millions of acres away from the wealthy and the church Gave the land to poor farmers, especially native Mexicans What do you think the effects would be if there were fewer rich and poor and more middle-class Mexicans?

But the good times can’t last… In 1876, Porfirio Diaz seized control of the government, and would rule for the next 35 years. Ruled with the quote “Pan, o Palo” Pan, o Palo!

The Bread or the Stick Pan, o Palo – Diaz rewarded those who supported him, and punished those who opposed him. Think, pair, share: What kinds of people are in the best position to “help” a powerful government figure?

Two Corners? If you agree more with the STICK go to the STRONGLY AGREE area. If you believe the BREAD would be more likely to persuade others, go to the STRONGLY DISAGREE side. If you were a leader or president, what strategy would you lead by? The Stick: punish those who oppose you. The Bread: reward those who help you achieve your goals.

The Rise of Inequality The rich got richer, the poor were kept poor. Diaz allowed rich foreign companies to come in and own more and more. Positive: Mexico’s exports, or goods shipped OUT of the country, increased Negative: the poor became poorer

Who benefitted from Diaz’ reign? By 1900, close to 90% of Mexico’s industry and 25% of Mexico’s land was owned by non-Mexicans. Native Mexicans (descended from the Aztec and other native tribes) went from owning 25% of Mexico’s land to only 2%. Most land was owned as part of huge Haciendas.

The Hacienda System Under the Hacienda system, land owned by native Mexicans was given over to a wealthy landowner for “oversight.” In return, the landowner was supposed to protect his workers. The native people themselves were “given” to the landowner along with the land! While technically free, the natives had little choice but to keep working. They had no other options.

Cries for Change With so many struggling while Diaz and his supporters grew rich, the cries for change began to grow louder. Many cried for revolution! We will learn about these people and their fight for change tomorrow!