The Impact and political outcomes of the Zapatista Guerrilla movement in Mexico

B. Explain the impact and political outcomes of the Zapatista guerilla movement in Mexico.

The Zapatistas are a group of Mexicans who support improved rights and living conditions for Mexico’s indigenous people. The group is named after Emiliano Zapata, who lived in the early 20 th century and fought for the rights of the native people

On Jan 1, 1994 the North American Free Trade agreement was signed and taken into effect. Remember, this agreement allowed for free trade between the United States and Mexico Carlos Salinas de Gortari (Mexico’s President) Bill Clinton (U.S. President)

Some people in Mexico did not like this plan because they felt that cheaper farm goods from the United States would hurt the Mexican farmers profits. Many people in the jungle areas of Mexico (Chiapas) felt their indigenous traditional way of life would be ruined by large American corporations buying up land.

On the day NAFTA took effect, a group of Mexicans called the Zapatistas, led by a masked man named “Marco” took over several towns in their part of Mexico. The Mexican government sent in the army to put down the rebels. The fighting lasted for several weeks

Eventually a cease fire was created but the Zapatistas did not go away. Agreements between the Zapatistas and the government have not solved the problems.

The Zapatistas still have control of some parts of southern Mexico. The government patrols the area to make sure another uprising does not happen The Zapatistas still argue and fight for better healthcare for the people, housing, education, and jobs Communism

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