Monday November 2nd, 2015 Revolution and Nationalism in Latin America OBJECTIVES: Identify causes and effects of the Mexican Revolution. Analyze the effects of economic and political nationalism on Latin America

The Mexican Revolution Porfirio Diaz ruled Mexico for almost 35 years, winning re-election as president again and again. Mexico enjoyed peace and economic growth.

Seeds of Discontent Unhappiness rippled through Mexico. The country’s prosperity benefited only a small group. Majority of Mexicans were mestizos or Indian peasants who lived in poverty. Worked on haciendas Meager wages.

Continued… 1910, Francisco Madero, demanded free elections. Imprisoned by Diaz. Revolutionaries all across Mexico joined his cause. In 1911, Diaz resigned.

A Complex Struggle Madero was murdered in 1913, by military dictator. Several leaders emerged. Emiliano Zapata = led peasant revolt. Called, “Zapatistas” cried for land and freedom. Francisco “Pancho” Villa Venustiano Carranza = Rich land owner, wanted political reform but did not want social change.

Continued… A million Mexicans died in fighting that lasted 10 years. Peasants, small farmers, ranchers, and urban workers. Soldaderas, women soldiers, cooked, tended the wounded, and even fought alongside men. In 1917, Carranza was elected president of Mexico. That year he signed a constitution.

Economic and Social Reforms 1917, Constitution not instituted. 1920, Carranza is assassinated by rival revolutionaries. Constitution is still in effect today. Addresses three major issues: Land (Allowed nationalization = government takeover) Religion “Church land = property of nation” Labor (minimum wage, protected workers’ right to strike)

The PRI Takes Control 1929, Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI) Made political choices to accommodate many groups in Mexican society, including business and military leaders, peasants, and workers.

Social and Economic Reforms Lazaro Cardenas, made decision to redistribute millions of acres of land to peasants under a communal land program. Mexico began implementing reforms from Constitution of 1917. Supported labor unions Combated illiteracy (schools and libraries)

Nationalism Spreads in Latin America Economic Nationalism Emphasis on home control of the economy. To end dependence on outside industrial powers. Took over oil resources from outsiders like USA and Britain. Cultural Nationalism Pride in one’s own national culture, was reflected in revival of mural painting, major art form of Aztecs and Maya.

Good Neighbor Policy United States agreed to stop interfering in the affairs of Latin American nations. US withdrew troops. Lasted until 1945.