AP Comparative Government Warm up Define federalism. Which of the countries we have studied would be considered federalist, and which are unitary?

Mexican History and traditions

Historical Traditions Colonialism Independence in 1821 Importance of Catholicism Authoritarianism Populism—Siding with “the people” vs “the elite” Divisions within elite Instability and legitimacy issues Mexican Revolution, drug cartels Economic dependency (Spain, then the USA) "Though I may die, I shall be remembered forever; you all will soon be forgotten."

Father of Independence, Agustin de Iturbide!

The Porfiriato Porfirio Diaz rules Mexico from 1876-1911 (35 yrs!) Provided authoritarian rule and stability Lots of foreign investment, lots of economic growth Growing gap between the rich and the poor Violent repression of the poor

The Mexican Revolution 1910—Francisco Madero, a wealthy land owner, is able to overthrow Diaz Madero declares himself president, but is killed by General Huerta in 1913 Huerta resigns and flees the country in 1914 Venustiano Carranza declares himself president, serves until assassinated in 1920 The whole time…

Pancho Villa A caudillo (leaders at the head of patron-client systems) Didn’t support any of these leaders, thought they all wanted to be dictators Controlled his own army in the North of Mexico Seized land from rich owners, redistributed it to peasants (really just wanted to fight though) Raids into the United States Retired in 1920, but was possibly considering a presidential run and was assassinated in 1923

Emiliano Zapata Had his own army in Southern Mexico made up of rebellious peasants and indigenous people Drafted the Plan de Ayala—Land should be taken from wealthy land owners and redistributed to peasants (“Tierra y libertad”) Worked to rebuild Morelos based on his Plan Killed in 1919

“I didn’t fight for that “I didn’t fight for that. We should burn that chair to end all ambitions.”

The Constitution of 1917 Set up a government, but did not end violence AT ALL (assassinations into the 1920’s) Three branches of government First constitution to ever consider social rights The State will also regulate the exploitation of natural resources based on social benefits and the equal distribution of wealth. Covers the rights of workers, including the eight-hour work day, the right to strike, the right to a day's rest per week, and equality regardless of race or gender

The Mexican Revolution Over 1 million people killed Widespread destruction of the country Constitution of 1917 “The brutality and uncouthness (vulgarity) of many of the revolutionary leaders has not prevented them from becoming popular myths. Villa still gallops through the north, in songs and ballads; Zapata dies at every popular fair. ... It is the Revolution, the magical word, the word that is going to change everything, that is going to bring us immense delight and a quick death.” Octavio Paz How does a country recover from this?

The PRI Institutional Revolutionary Party, established in 1929 Brought all caudillos together under one political party They all agreed to “pass around” political power Each “president” could only have one 6-yr term (sexenio) Lasted for 71 years until 2000

Lazaro Cardenas, 1934-1940 “The Roosevelt of Mexico” RADICAL reforms Redistribution of land as “ejidos,” taking land away from big land owners and establishing collective communal lands Nationalized PEMEX, kicked out lots of foreign businesses (import substitution industrialization!) Investment in infrastructure, modernizing rural Mexico (a little) Encouraging unionization, allowing peasant reps in the presidential cabinet Leads to strength of camarillas The next president, Miguel Aleman…

Beginning of the Pendulum Theory Undid everything. Encouraged FDI Beginning of the Pendulum Theory Back and forth, socialist to free market economic liberalization

The Mexican Miracle! Based on huge oil exports from nationalized PEMEX (and import substitution industrialization), Mexico saw sustained GDP growth in the 1950’s and 1960’s Used that $$$ to improve standard of living and lift lots of people out of power Mexico approaching European standards! Until…

1980’s oil bust Oil prices drop in the 1980’s, and with it Mexico’s oil revenue Mexico falls into debt Revives debate between camarillas (union heads, more socialist) and tecnicos (free market economic liberals) Tecnicos win out, and Mexico goes into period of privatization, free market reforms Who did they have to take out loans from? Carlos Slim

Rise of civil society Businessmen and young people become vocal critics of the PRI and advocates of the 2nd strongest party, the PAN Lots of anger with PRI because of Corruption Sluggish economy and increasing debt Lack of democracy 1997 legislative elections—PRI sees huge drop in support

2000 Presidential election Vicente Fox, of the PAN party, wins the election! RIP PRI (1929-2000) 71 year rule!