Chapter 8 Section 1 Mexico Notes

War and Reform During Spanish rule, Mexicans had little control over their lives. Mexico became an independent nation in 1821. The Mexican people had no experience governing themselves and they had a weak economy.

The Mexican War Mexico loses territory to the US Until 1848, Mexican territory included what is now the southwestern part of the United States. In the early 1800’s Mexicans encouraged Americans to move to Texas---To get the land they had to follow Mexican law and pay a small fee. The Americans wanted more independence and Mexico refused. Texans revolted and broke away from Mexico. The Mexicans won early victories against the Texans, including the Battle of the Alamo, but were eventually defeated and Texas gained independence and the Republic of Texas was established. In 1845 the United States annexed Texas. 1846 War started and lasted for two years and by 1848 a treaty was signed and Mexico surrendered what is now California, Nevada, Arizona, New Mexico, part of Colorado and the southern border of Wyoming.

Fight for Reforms The Mexican War drained Mexico’s economy and left the government in disorder. Liberals and Conservatives were two groups that struggled for power. Conservatives- appealed to Mexico’s rich people Liberals appealed to the nation’s poor and landless.

Continued… Liberal leader Benito Juarez influenced Mexican politics he led a reform movement that resulted in a new constitution in 1857. In 1861 France, Spain and Britain sent forces to Mexico (to collect $$$ Mexico owed them from war) France captured Mexico City and made a European the emperor of Mexico. The Mexican people overthrew and executed him. Juarez returned to the presidency and held that office until 1872.

Revolution and Constitutional Change In 1876 General Porfirio Diaz became dictator Unlike Juarez he gave land, power and favors to anyone who supported him (rewarding his supporters) By 1910 the gap between rich and poor was huge…..1 percent of landowners controlled 90 percent of the land.

The Mexican Revolution By 1910 Mexicans were protesting Diaz’s rule and called for reforms The Mexican Revolution began when Francisco Madero, a wealthy rancher, called for a revolution to defeat Diaz. They were fighting for the poor Pancho Villa led forces in northern Mexico. He became popular for “Stealing from the rich and giving to the poor” By 1920 one million Mexicans were killed.

New Constitution 1917 a new constitution was adopted during the revolution to meet the demands of Mexico’s various groups and regions. (It is still in effect today) Land reform was the main concern Mexico redistributed half its farmland to poor people. Workers rights were addressed The relationship of the government and church was addressed

Democratic Rule Mexico is a federal republic made up of 31 states and a Federal District.