1. Causes of the Mexican Revolution

2. 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

3. Cause #2: Industrialization
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

4. 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

5. 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.

6. 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.