HISTORIA DE MÉXICO 7 LA RECONSTRUCCIÓN NACIONAL | GUÍA UNAM 2023

History of Mexico: From Caudillismo to Presidentialism

The Evolution of Political Power in Mexico

• The history of Mexico involves the transition from caudillismo to presidentialism, marked by significant political, economic, and social changes initiated with the 1917 Constitution.

• Initial power struggles among revolutionary leaders led to a phase characterized by caudillos vying for control, which eventually evolved into a more structured political institution.

• Early revolutionary governments faced instability due to rivalries among leaders; notable figures like Venustiano Carranza struggled against opposition from Francisco Villa and Emiliano Zapata.

• International pressures, particularly regarding Article 27 and U.S. interests in oil companies, complicated Carranza's governance and contributed to his eventual downfall.

• Carranza was overthrown in 1920 following the Agua Prieta Plan orchestrated by Álvaro Obregón, who then assumed the presidency.

Key Developments Under Álvaro Obregón

• Obregón's administration focused on supporting labor groups and land distribution policies that garnered him support from peasants and workers alike.

• He established the Secretaría de Educación Pública (SEP), promoting muralism as a cultural expression aligned with revolutionary ideals.

• Plutarco Elías Calles succeeded Obregón in 1924; he implemented significant financial reforms including establishing the Bank of Mexico and various national commissions.

The Cristero War and Its Aftermath

• Calles' enforcement of anti-Catholic laws led to widespread unrest known as the Cristero War, resulting in significant loss of life estimated at over 50,000 casualties.

• Following Obregón’s assassination in 1928, Calles entered a period known as "El Maximato," where he exerted influence over successive presidents through manipulation rather than direct rule.

The Maximato Era

• Emilio Portes Gil's government saw educational reforms including UNAM's autonomy and peace negotiations ending the Cristero conflict.

• Pascual Ortiz Rubio faced challenges including accusations of electoral fraud but managed to implement labor rights through federal codes while joining international organizations for peace efforts.

Transition to Cárdenas' Presidency

• Abelardo Rodríguez collaborated with political parties to establish a sectional plan aimed at strengthening executive authority alongside popular movements before Lázaro Cárdenas took office.

• Cárdenas’ presidency (1934–1940) marked a shift towards corporativism emphasizing social welfare for workers and agrarian reform initiatives that redistributed land significantly.

Impact of Cárdenas' Policies

• His administration is noted for enhancing worker rights through unionization efforts led by Vicente Lombardo Toledano, improving wages and internal markets.

Lázaro Cárdenas: Key Contributions and Historical Context

Overview of Lázaro Cárdenas' Presidency

• Lázaro Cárdenas distributed land in the form of ejidos throughout his presidency, significantly impacting agrarian reform in Mexico.

• In 1937, he established the Instituto Politécnico Nacional and the Instituto Nacional de Antropología e Historia (INAH), enhancing educational and cultural institutions.

• Cárdenas executed two major expropriation decrees: one for the railway industry in 1937 and another for the oil industry in 1938, marking a shift towards nationalization.

Nationalization of Key Industries

• The government transferred control of national railways to workers, promoting labor rights and worker management.

• On June 7, 1938, through an official decree, Petróleos Mexicanos (PEMEX) was founded, ensuring Mexico's economic independence from foreign oil companies.

Political Context and Influences

• Discussion on commonalities among presidents Emilio Portes Gil, Pascual Ortiz Rubio, and Abelardo Rodríguez; all were influenced by General Plutarco Elías Calles during a caudillista era.

• Each president assumed office under Calles' tacit influence as part of a political transition known as civilismo after implementing sectional plans.

Legacy of Lázaro Cárdenas

• One notable achievement during Cárdenas' administration was the establishment of collective ejidos which aimed at redistributing land to benefit rural communities.