Mexico: Post World War II Jill Popek and Chelsea Peak

The Basics Population: 100+ million –60% Mestizo (European + Indian) –30% Amerindians (Indians in W. Hemisphere) –9% White –<1% other Spanish is official language –English is increasingly more evident

89% Roman Catholic Federal government –Three Branches (Executive, Legislative, Judicial) Legislature is similar to U.S. –Two major parties: Partido Revolucionario Nacional (PRI) Partido Accion Nacional (PAN) Economy driven by oil, cars, electronics, coffee, cotton, fresh food, and tourism Americanization of cultural life –“Bigger is better” philosophy –NFL, NBA, NCAA is broadcasted

Mexico in WWII Allies Provided 40% of raw materials to U.S. war industry –US aids their financial crisis June 1942: Mexico declares war on Axis Some Mexicans went to the U.S. to fight in their armed forces In return, U.S. helps the Mexican government remain neutral and not go the ways of Fascism and Communism

Member of 201 Escuadron Fought against Japan in Phillipines

NAFTA Between U.S., Canada, Mexico Mexico now has to openly compete with world’s most powerful economy, U.S. Mexico’s main concern is agriculture Reduced worth of Mexican peso Signed Jan. 1, 1994

The Zapatista Revolt January 1, 1994: Zapatista Army of National Liberation (EZLN) seizes power in three cities in Chiapas Called for social justice, a democratic government Wanted President Salinas to resign EZLN refused amnesty, is removed from power

Video clip: Zapatista Revolution – 5t5M&feature=fvwhttp:// 5t5M&feature=fvw What social class are the Zapatistas from? Are they for or against the government? What is their overall goal? –Why do they wear black masks?

Corruption of the PRI Most successful political party in the world Presidential successors were often picked by the current president During elections, ballots were stuffed and candidates assassinated Held power for 71 years Public suspicion

Election of Vicente Fox Quesada First to be elected from opposition party in 71 years Big change for Mexico

Felipe Calderon Mexico’s current President,

Steps Towards Democracy Mexican citizens do not trust their government/elections Lawmakers/officials can be reelected Presidential candidates must secure at least 50% of votes Independents may run for President

Current Social Problems Organized crime Drug-related violence Public security –Police not only guard major institutions, but also shops Poverty Unemployment Women still have a “lower” place in society

NAFTA’s Effect GDP of Mexico rises, but not as substantially as U.S. and Canada Increased trade between Mexico and U.S. –Lowering of prices for Mexicans by ½ High rate of unemployment Economy isn’t improving as expected Still cannot compete with U.S. agriculture “A disappointment”

Overview Part of Allies during WWII Mostly indigenous population PRI was main source of power NAFTA agreement leads to Zapatista revolt Two opposition candidates elected –Democratic reforms NAFTA still has lasting effect on current economy Current social issues include crime and women’s rights

Sources Lenchek, Shep. “Mexico- Forgotten WWII Ally.” MexConnect. 1 January January war-ii-ally Minster, Christopher. “The Unsung Ally: Mexican Involvement in World War II.” About.com. 5 January xicoww2.htm Kirkwood, Burton. The History of Mexico. Connecticut: Greenwood Press, Greste, Peter. “End of Era for all-powerful party.” BBC. 2 July January reform dec16,0, storyhttp:// reform dec16,0, story

Photo Credits Mexican citizens G G Miguel Aleman Valdez Aleman_Valdez_ jpg Aleman_Valdez_ jpg 201 Escuadron: wwii201.html Signing of Nafta nafi.org/contenu/partages/chronlogie/alena2.jpghttp:// nafi.org/contenu/partages/chronlogie/alena2.jpg Emiliano Zapata Sub-Comandante Marcos 17/Foto/E24Y9153.jpg 17/Foto/E24Y9153.jpg Che Guevara content/uploads/2009/02/che-guevara-lg.jpghttp://bellum.stanfordreview.org/wp- content/uploads/2009/02/che-guevara-lg.jpg Vicente Fox Quesada people.starmedia.com/tmp/swotti/cacheDMLJZW50ZSBMB3G=UGVVCGX LLVBLB3BSZQ==/imgvicente%20fox2.jpghttp://top- people.starmedia.com/tmp/swotti/cacheDMLJZW50ZSBMB3G=UGVVCGX LLVBLB3BSZQ==/imgvicente%20fox2.jpg