La Revolución (Cap. 6)

The Revolution that Overthrew Porfirio Diaz's Oligarchic Regime

This section provides an introduction to the Mexican Revolution and its significance in the country's history.

The Mexican Revolution

• The revolution, which lasted for a decade, was a complex process that led to the overthrow of General Porfirio Diaz's oligarchic regime.

• It resulted in significant loss of life, with over a million deaths in a country with a population of two million.

• The revolution laid the foundation for the creation of a new type of state that shaped Mexican society throughout much of the 20th century.

Porfirio Diaz's Celebration and the Start of the Revolution

This section describes the events leading up to the outbreak of the revolution, including Porfirio Diaz's celebration and subsequent re-election.

Events Leading to the Revolution

• General Porfirio Diaz celebrated his 80th birthday and 34 years in power during the centennial celebrations of Mexico's independence.

• Despite apparent peace under Diaz's rule, signs of decay were evident in his regime, including severe economic crisis and lack of political freedoms.

• The opposition, led by Francisco Madero and supported by various groups such as liberal clubs and labor movements, grew discontented with Diaz's re-election as president in 1910.

• Madero was imprisoned for rebellion but continued to gain support from different sectors.

Opposition to Dictatorship and Revolutionary Clubs

This section highlights various opposition groups to Diaz's dictatorship and their role in fueling revolutionary sentiments.

Opposition Groups

• Among those opposing dictatorship were moderate Catholics, radical anarchists, and liberal clubs founded by Camilo Arriaga.

• The liberal clubs played a significant role in raising awareness and critiquing the dictatorship through publications like "Regeneración," which influenced the labor movement and revolutionaries.

• The publication of the Plan de San Luis, calling for armed resistance, marked a turning point in the revolution.

• Figures such as Pascual Orozco, Pancho Villa, and Emiliano Zapata emerged as leaders with different agendas but united against Diaz's regime.

Overthrowing Porfirio Diaz's Regime

This section describes the overthrow of Porfirio Diaz's regime and the subsequent government under Francisco Madero.

Overthrowing Diaz

• After months of fighting, the federal army was defeated, leading to Diaz's resignation from the presidency after 34 years of dictatorship.

• Under Madero's government, freedom of expression was respected, and there was a shift away from executive dominance over legislative and judicial powers.

• However, peace did not last long as rebellions erupted in Morelos led by Zapatistas demanding agrarian reforms and in northern states led by Bernardo Reyes and Félix Díaz.

The Tragic Ten Days and Assassination of Madero

This section covers the events known as "The Tragic Ten Days" that resulted in the assassination of President Madero.

The Tragic Ten Days

• Supported by the U.S. government, politicians and military figures opposed to democratic practices launched an offensive against Madero's indecisive government.

• They captured President Madero and Vice President José María Pino Suárez, who were subsequently assassinated.

• This marked the end of Madero's democratically elected government.

Uniting Against Huerta and the Constitutionalist Movement

This section focuses on the formation of a united front against Victoriano Huerta's regime and the Constitutionalist movement.

Uniting Against Huerta

• The assassination of Madero led to an unlikely alliance among groups with significant differences, rallying under the banner of constitutionalism.

• Key figures included Venustiano Carranza in Coahuila, Francisco Villa in Chihuahua, and Emiliano Zapata in the south.

• Carranza's legalistic approach and experience played a crucial role in organizing and legitimizing the armed struggle.

• Villa brought a strong popular element to the movement, while Zapata's forces fought against Huerta due to his violent repression.

Revolutionary Forces Across Mexico

This section highlights the involvement of revolutionary forces across different regions of Mexico.

Revolutionary Forces

• The revolution was not limited to northern states; forces from southern regions, particularly those led by Emiliano Zapata, joined the fight against Huerta.

• Zapata's forces had endured significant hardships during Huerta's presidency due to violent military offensives.

The Formation of a Powerful Force

This section discusses the formation of a powerful force in Mexico, consisting of Villa, González, and the new democratic government led by President Wilson.

The Rise of a Strong Alliance

• Villa and González form an unstoppable force in the west and east respectively.

• The general who led the coup no longer has the support of President Wilson's new democratic government.

New Authorities and Alliances

This section highlights how the departure of Huerta's authorities allowed new figures to take charge at local and state levels. It also mentions the establishment of alliances for the benefit of the popular classes.

New Figures in Politics

• Individuals from different backgrounds, including those who had never been involved in politics, start taking up positions in local and state governments.

• Alliances are formed to support the interests of the popular classes, leading to new political alliances and social commitments.

Divisions Among Revolutionaries

This section explores the divisions among revolutionaries regarding their demands for rapid and profound changes. Carranza emphasizes returning to legality before discussing reforms.

Demands for Change

• Some revolutionaries demand quick and deep changes that benefit the popular classes.

• Carranza believes it is necessary to restore legality before addressing reforms.

Entry into Mexico City and New Challenges

This section discusses how with the entry of constitutionalist armies into Mexico City, revolutionaries transitioned into becoming a governing body responsible for all sectors of society.

Governing Challenges

• The Mexican Revolution takes a new direction as revolutionaries become part of the government.

• They must govern for both industrial/urban Mexico and rural Mexico, where major agrarian conflicts are taking place.

Ruptures and Conflicts Among Revolutionary Forces

This section highlights the deep divisions and confrontations among different revolutionary forces as each group seeks to impose its development proposals on the rest of the country.

Deep Divisions

• Each revolutionary group wants to implement its own development plan nationwide, leading to profound ruptures and confrontations.

The Aguascalientes Convention

This section discusses the Aguascalientes Convention, where Carranza's faction and Villa's faction reached a pact that included a broad program of social reforms. The convention declared itself sovereign and appointed General Eulalio Gutiérrez as provisional president.

The Aguascalientes Convention

• The convention was held between Carranza's supporters and Villa's supporters.

• It approved an extensive program of social reforms.

• The convention declared itself sovereign, disavowed Carranza as the leader, and became the new government.

• General Eulalio Gutiérrez was appointed as the provisional president.

Division of Forces and Obregón's Victories

This section discusses the division between northern forces (Division del Norte) led by Villa and southern forces led by Zapata. Obregón's victories over Villa's forces in four significant battles resulted in guerrilla actions limited to Morelos and some northern states.

Division of Forces

• The Division del Norte (Villa) and Zapata's southern army face their former allies from the constitutionalist army led by Carranza.

• Obregón defeats Villa's forces in four important battles in the Bajío region.

• After these defeats, former conventionist forces transform into guerrilla groups, limiting their actions to Morelos and some northern states.

Consolidation of the Constitutionalists

This section highlights the importance of the constitutionalists' policy of engaging with popular sectors and middle classes through initiatives such as the Agrarian Law of 1915 and alliances with worker organizations.

Strengthening Constitutionalism

• The constitutionalists implement policies that appeal to popular sectors and middle classes.

• Initiatives include minimum wage laws, land distribution, and support for education.

• These measures help gain support from various groups and weaken opposition.

Promulgation of the Constitution

This section discusses the promulgation of the Mexican Constitution in 1917. The Constituent Congress was formed by representatives from across Mexico with different political backgrounds and proposals for change.

The Mexican Constitution of 1917

• The Constituent Congress is convened in Querétaro by Carranza.

• Delegates from all over Mexico, representing diverse political backgrounds, participate in heated debates.

• The new constitution enshrines individual liberties, the right to education, work, and land – demands previously fought for with arms by popular groups.

• It allows for both private and collective forms of property ownership and a mix of private and state-owned enterprises.

• Politically, Mexico remains a representative federal republic but grants significant executive power to the president.

Challenges of Democratic Governance

This section explores how Mexico faced challenges in transitioning to democratic governance after years of dictatorship and armed conflict. Carranza's presidency begins after Zapata's assassination.

Transitioning to Democracy

• After Porfirio Díaz's dictatorship and seven years of conflict, Mexico had to adapt to unfamiliar democratic norms, starting with the election of the president.

• Carranza assumes the presidency after Zapata's assassination in April 1919.

• Pancho Villa continues to make sporadic attacks, including an unsuccessful assault on Columbus, New Mexico, which leads to a diplomatic confrontation with the United States.

The Impact of the Revolution

This section emphasizes that the Mexican Revolution was a significant historical event that led to a new state led by non-radical middle-class groups committed to enacting reforms for the benefit of popular groups.

Significance of the Revolution

• The Mexican Revolution was the most important historical event of the 20th century in Mexico.

• It resulted in a new state led by non-radical middle-class groups without ties to the old regime.

• These groups were willing to undertake reforms for the benefit of popular groups.

New Section

This section discusses the development of small and medium-sized properties, political concessions in exchange for support, the return of seized banks, and the recognition of the Mexican government by Washington.

Development of Small and Medium-Sized Properties

• The government supports the development of small and medium-sized properties.

Political Concessions for Support

• Some labor organizations receive concessions and political positions in exchange for supporting the government.

Return of Seized Banks

• The government decrees the return of seized banks during the struggle, allowing exiles to come back.

Recognition by Washington

• The peace achieved allows for economic recovery, and as a result, Washington recognizes the Mexican government while respecting American companies' privileges in Mexico.

New Section

This section highlights educational initiatives, cultural flourishing, muralism, and literary works during this period.

Educational Initiatives

• The Secretary of Public Education is founded to bring education to rural areas that previously had limited access.

Cultural Flourishing

• The cultural and educational growth leads to the emergence of Mexican muralism that depicts national history and culture on century-old buildings.

• The dramatic events during this time also give rise to revolutionary novels that portray both anonymous soldiers and key figures in the revolution.

New Section

This section covers Plutarco Elías Calles' presidency, his political achievements, including military reduction/reorganization and economic institutions creation.

Plutarco Elías Calles' Presidency (1924-1928)

• Calles' political acumen leads to the reduction and reorganization of the military.

• He establishes key economic institutions such as the Bank of Mexico and the Bank of Credit.

• Calles faces the Cristero War, a three-year conflict against Catholic guerrillas opposing government restrictions on religious worship.

New Section

This section focuses on the formation of the National Revolutionary Party (PNR) and its role in organizing and regulating ex-revolutionaries.

Formation of the National Revolutionary Party (PNR)

• After Álvaro Obregón's assassination, Plutarco Elías Calles founds the PNR in 1929 with a mission to organize and discipline ex-revolutionaries within the party.

• The PNR aims to resolve internal disputes and regulate candidate selection for elected positions.

New Section

This section discusses Mexico's transition into a new historical phase characterized by social harmony, political stability, economic growth, albeit not democratic.

Transition to a New Historical Phase

• With the end of the Cristero War and institutionalization of the army, Mexico enters a new era marked by social harmony, political stability, and several decades of economic growth.

• However, this period is not characterized by democracy.