Mexican Revolution
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1. What was the Mexican Revolution?
The Mexican Revolution began in 1910 and was defined as a social Revolution, change was inevitable and the competitive instinct to rise above others was soaring. The dictatorship run by Porfirio Diaz was in jeopardy as the nation had enough of him. Land and political rights were stolen from Southern and Central peasants. Porfirio Diazs concern was of economic expansion as he strove to create a more western civilization, as his principals were more capitalistic. Francisco Madero in 1911 succeeded Porfirio Diaz as president, and worked for political reform rather than social change, yet he also had a flawed character as well. Emiliano Zapata, the modern hero was perceived as the key to liberty and freedom, and represented the heart and soul of the rebel movement. The two continuously clashed as they shared a love hate relationship. Free village lands were being confiscated and it was Zapatas “civil duty” to halt such corruption. He created the Plan De Ayala which the revolution revolved around. It required the return of all the illegally obtained land and took one third of the hacienda to give to the landless peasants. He demanded a new government in Morelos, and that Diaz remove his army troops. Madero wasnt quick to comply as he took his time, and suffered the consequences. He made little attempts to reform the Porfirian army which proved harmful in the long run. He paved the road to his own death in 1913 and was overthrown by Huerta and Felix Diaz. Violence spread quickly throughout the nation. Many individuals took part in creating the new stable government; however, they generally put their personal advancement ahead of the entire Revolution. The more moderate and conservative leaders such as Madero were fighting for political reform, such as free and just elections, whereas the more radical revolutionaries were fixated on social reforms, similar to Zapata. Other Revolutionaries fought for restraint to be put on the Catholic Church, as that was the topic of heated debate. Continuous shifts in power prolonged the Revolution. The popular armies lost on the battlefield, their presence however, their presence did affect those that won the war. Nationalism increased, as everyone was well aware. The commoner, during the Revolution, wanted to limit foreign economic support from places like the United States, for they failed to see the bigger picture. The significance of this Revolution was that it addressed the labor rights which are the reason there was large participation by the Mexican population. The government was continuously getting rich as the peasants were remaining impoverished, it was only a matter of time for such corruption to end and change to be bestowed upon Mexicos economy government and society.
2. In what ways did the Mexican revolution change Mexico?
The Mexican Revolution was a complete cultural movement, and change was nearly certain to occur. The rise and fall of power affected all. In the aftermath of the Revolution all citizens shared a sense of freedom, as new agrarian regulations required the return of land. Women were looked upon as inferior; however the revolution altered such views. They now had the ability to voice their opinions regarding politics. New womens leagues such as the Ligas were founded during the post Revolution, which were completely unheard of before the Revolution occurred. Women held a new comfort zone, as they had a new forum do discuss the harsh realities confronting them, such as dealing with their husbands alcoholism or other relevant issues. The involvement of women during the actual war was immense; they went beyond their system of gender. They sacrificed their lives on the battlefields, as Soldaderas, to ensure the livelihood of their companions. This was more than just engagement; most importantly it created a sense of equality. The Revolution instilled responsibility among all individuals. People felt a belonging, as all ordinary people counted. The constitution of 1917 was a cornerstone involved in the revolution. It presented them with new found liberties, such as demanding their land. However, there will always remain the lingering question of whether the Revolution brought forth more positive or negative. The Mexican culture was altered once again during the 1950s and 60s as there was a cultural clash known as the rock and role era. This was a product of U.S. culture which spread to Mexico. Rock presented a new way to protest, as it was a critique and power structure. This was Mexicos counter culture: the long hair and sexual liberation. This movement was very different form what Mexico was accustomed to. In the U.S. children leave their families and attend college, with the luxury of privacy, however, in Mexico, that sense of freedom was not present as it was a more in your face type of living. Women had to be braver as it was socially unacceptable and an affront to conservative values. Women were virginal jus as participating in the revolution. Mexico was more modernized, industrial and cultural, however, at the same time they were still far too conservative. So the question remains, was there change?
3. How did the torching of La Purisima and the dance before the altar in Ario Santa Monica create new possibilities for Mexico? What were those possibilities?
The Mexican Catholic Church went throught many transformations during the Revolution. The torching of La Purisima and the dance before the altar in Ario Santa Monica was perceived
negatively. These acitons were taken as a slap in the face and the individuals involved were chategorized as “blasphemists” for ” trying