Zapatistas in Mexico

Zapatistas in Mexico SS6H3b- Explain the impact and political outcomes of the Zapatista guerrilla movement in Mexico. Why did NAFTA anger the Zapatistas? What is the main goal of the Zapatistas?

Words to know… Zapatista- group of Mexicans who support improved rights and living conditions for Mexico’s indigenous people; sometimes use sabotage of the government to make their point NAFTA (North American Free Trade Agreement)- allowed free trade between the United States, Canada and Mexico Guerrilla-a member of a small unofficial army who fights by making surprise attacks Chiapas- a state in southern Mexico

Zapatistas 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 twentieth century as a farmer and fought for the rights of native people. 

NAFTA On January 1, 1994, the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) came into effect.  This was an agreement to allow free trade between Canada, Mexico, and the United States.  Some people in Mexico did NOT like this plan.  They thought that NAFTA would allow cheap farm goods to come into Mexico from the United States.  The farmers in Mexico would not be able to compete with the cheaper food. This forced Mexican farmers to charge LESS for their crops.

Zapatistas On the day NAFTA took effect, a group of Mexicans called the Zapatistas took over several towns in their part of Mexico.  The army was sent in to remove the Zapatistas.  Fighting lasted for several weeks.  A cease-fire finally ended the fighting.  The Zapatistas did not go away, however.

Zapatistas Agreements between the Zapatistas and the government have not solved the problems the people have with the government.  The Zapatistas have control of some small parts of southern Mexico.  The Zapatistas argue that the indigenous people of Mexico (living in the Chiapas region) need more help to improve health care, housing, education, and jobs.  The Zapatistas have formed friendships with guerilla groups in other countries that have similar goals.

Zapatistas Review Who were they? A group of Mexicans who support improved rights and living conditions for Mexico's indigenous people What did they do? They harassed and sabotaged the government in protest of NAFTA and other government decisions

Zapatistas Review When did they do this? In the late 1900s, beginning January 1994 and continuing today Where did they do this? Southern Mexico Why did they do this? They disagreed with NAFTA and with many of the decisions of the government of Mexico. They also wanted to try and create compromise with the government to give support to the indigenous people.

Think about the EQs… Why did NAFTA anger the Zapatistas? What is the main goal of the Zapatistas?

A documentary about the Zapatista's struggle in the Chiapas region of southern Mexico.  Website: http://youtu.be/JFfpQEnrIAw