Imp #20 : Mexican Revolution 1.What is a revolution? 2.Do you remember one of the reasons for the French Revolution?

2 Main Causes of Revolution 1.Porfirio Diaz: longtime caudillo of Mexico – Brought stability & improvements such as the RR – BUT did so by using force & fear 2.Wealthy landowners bought (or took, stole, or tricked ppl out of) nearly all the land – leaving the poor w/nothing

What options did José Doe have in those days? a) He could try to find other legal sources of $ (very limited option.) b) He could become fully dependent on the haciendas, which would eventually suck him dry. Typically, people first signed on as laborer, then they moved in with their bosses on the hacienda as a gente de casa, aka serf. c) He could become a criminal, which might or might not beat becoming the slave of a plantation owner. *People had their backs against the wall — the fundamental requirement for any revolution.

The Revolution (1910 – 1917) Francisco Madero opposed Diaz in an election – Diaz had him imprisoned – Madero will go into exile – only to return to claim the presidency Madero will get leaders like Pancho Villa to help overthrow Diaz

Pancho Villa Led revolutionaries in Northern Mexico Has a “Robin Hood” mentality: take from the rich – give to the poor Charismatic (likeable personality) got 1000s (Mex & Ams) to join his troops

General Huerta will assassinate Madero – becomes a caudillo This will upset Villa (in N) and Emiliano Zapata (leader in S) & they will fight against his rule

Huerta will resign (quit), Carranza will take over – although not a dictator – he does not want to redistribute land – Villa & Zapata refuse to recognize him as president – Ultimately, Villa is defeated & Zapata assassinated

Mexican Constitution (1917) Some redistribution of land, some rights given to workers However, in all very little changes in Mexico after a decade of revolution

Murals by Diego Rivera & Siqueiros

Your Task: To create a mural that depicts a scene from Mexican history. It must include 3-5 people, places, things, and/or symbols