Causes of the Mexican Revolution

Cause #1: Porfiriato Dictatorship Once elected, Porfirio Diaz removed the “no re-election” clause of the constitution “Pan, o palo” was his slogan; “Bread, or stick” guardias rurales (countryside police) Democracy (electing officials) completely disappeared The people had no actual power

During the Porfiriato, Mexico was viewed as an economic power Foreign investors owned 85% of the mining and industrial companies “cash” crops such as tobacco and sugar cane replaced subsistence crops (corn, beans, etc.) Industrialization and “progress” came at the expense of the poor Cause #2: Industrialization

Cause #3: Limited personal freedoms The rurales, as well as the Bravi (Diaz’ personal police), exploited and abused the populace Citizens were bullied into voting for Diaz Freedom of the press and freedom of speech were eliminated Economic difficulties reduced personal freedoms

Cause #4: Treatment of the peasantry Land had been forcibly taken from the natives By 1910, 2% of the Mexican population owned all of the land in Mexico The majority of Mexican citizens lived in the countryside (rural areas) 78% of the Mexican people were landless peasants (farm workers) Most peasants were trapped in debt peonage Most haciendas were extremely difficult places to live and treated the peasants as virtual slaves.

Cause #5: Limited access to basic needs Sixteen percent of Mexicans were homeless. Life expectancy was 30 yrs old. In some areas of Mexico, 4 out of every 5 babies died before they reached the age of 1. a bar of soap cost 25% of the basic wage. Only the wealthy were able to seek an education.