Los Sexenios, Clío TV – Lázaro Cárdenas, Entre El Pueblo Y El Poder

Lázaro Cárdenas: A Transformative Presidency

Introduction to Lázaro Cárdenas' Presidency

• Lázaro Cárdenas, as president, embodied a promise of social justice and national dignity, aiming to fulfill the revolutionary articles of the 1917 Constitution.

• His presidency was marked by both achievements and failures; he was sensitive to social demands but also reinforced the undemocratic monopoly of the official party.

Key Events During Cárdenas' Term

• At age 39, Cárdenas took office and initiated fundamental changes that laid the groundwork for Mexico's modern political system.

• Symbolically, he moved from the opulent Chapultepec Castle to Los Pinos and sought to diminish Plutarco Elías Calles' influence by removing his title as "Maximum Chief of the Revolution."

The Struggle for Power

• Calles had previously exercised power behind the presidency, leading to a period known as "El Maximato," where he appointed presidents at will.

• To secure loyalty from various military factions (Carrancistas, Villistas, Zapatistas), Cárdenas strategically aligned with generals outside Calles’ circle.

Labor Movements and Political Maneuvering

• Worker agitation became a central element of Cárdenas' strategy; he encouraged labor organizations which threatened unprecedented strikes.

• Following anti-worker statements from Calles in June 1935, Cárdenas subtly highlighted their tone to mobilize workers against him.

The Fall of Calles

• In April 1936, after escalating tensions between supporters of both leaders, Cárdenas decisively exiled Calles from Mexico.

• This act received enthusiastic support and effectively ended any power that resided outside the presidential office.

Legacy and Reforms Initiated by Cárdenas

• After his exile, Calles claimed in U.S. press that he was expelled for combating communism despite his violent past.

• With control firmly established, Cárdenas focused on unifying workers into one organization and implementing agrarian reform aimed at addressing long-standing issues like land tenure and rural poverty.

Agrarian Reform Impact

The Agrarian Reform and Political Dynamics in Mexico

Introduction to the Digital Credit Bank

• The establishment of a digital credit bank aims to support ejidos (communal landholdings), increasing departmental resources while offering credit plans and other services. However, a hidden agenda is to dismantle the power of hacendados (landowners), many of whom are influential generals.

Cárdenas' Initial Steps in Land Redistribution

• In October 1936, President Lázaro Cárdenas initiated significant land redistribution in Coahuila, facilitated by prior political work from the Communist Party and labor unions. This groundwork made it easier for Cárdenas to proceed with distributing 220,000 hectares previously owned by a small group of large landholders.

Emotional Moments During Land Distribution

• The six-week distribution process was marked by emotional exchanges, such as a villista (a follower of Pancho Villa) trading his rifle for an iron plow. Cárdenas was visibly moved during these moments despite facing resistance from landowners.

Challenges in Land Allocation

• A major issue arose from how quickly the land was redistributed; affected individuals could choose 150 hectares each, leading hacendados to retain fertile lands near irrigation channels while poorer lands were given away.

Expropriation Efforts in Yucatán

• In just 23 days, Cárdenas expropriated 360,000 hectares in Yucatán for 34,000 ejidatarios. Promises included establishing an agricultural institute and providing interest-free loans totaling 35 million pesos.

Discontent Among Farmers

• Despite initial promises, one year later farmers expressed dissatisfaction over poverty and hunger. They questioned the whereabouts of the promised funds due to poor planning on behalf of the government.

Further Reforms and Failures

• By November 1938, complete haciendas were handed over to campesinos (peasants), including buildings and machinery. However, issues persisted as fields were already planted at distribution time which misled beneficiaries about potential yields.

Economic vs Political Outcomes

• While economically viewed as a failure due to rising unpaid debts and corruption within credit societies, politically the agrarian reform succeeded by diminishing traditional power structures and strengthening state authority over rural areas.

Bureaucratic Control Over Ejidatarios

• Although land ownership shifted from hacendados to ejidatarios (communal farmers), real control remained with the state which became both owner and regulator of agricultural decisions affecting these communities.

Labor Relations Under Cárdenas

• The newly formed labor organizations gained strength through their ties with the state under Cárdenas’ administration. This relationship altered dynamics between workers and employers significantly.

Internal Conflicts Within Labor Movements

• Two factions emerged within labor movements: one aligned with Marxist principles while another did not fully embrace them. This division led to prolonged confrontations throughout subsequent administrations.

Balancing Power Among Organizations

• To prevent excessive power concentration within labor unions like CTM (Confederación de Trabajadores de México), Cárdenas allowed other organizations to exist as counterweights while also creating new entities like CNC (Confederación Nacional Campesina).

1936-1939: Shifts in Labor Relations and State Control

The Changing Perception of Strikes

• In 1936, strikes were viewed as patriotic; by 1939, they were seen as detrimental to the state, reflecting a shift in governmental priorities during presidential succession.

Cárdenas' Experiment with Railroads

• President Cárdenas nationalized railroads and handed over their management to the railroad workers' union, marking a departure from corporatism towards collectivist ideals.

Economic Challenges Under Workers' Administration

• The workers’ administration faced significant economic failures, including over 480 accidents without improvements for workers or salary increases.

Reorganization of Political Structures

• Cárdenas restructured the official party into the Party of the Mexican Revolution, transforming it from a military conclave into an inclusive political entity for various social groups.

Historical Roots of New Governance

• The new state's foundations can be traced back to Mexico's colonial and pre-Hispanic past, emphasizing control through labor organizations and peasant groups.

Religious Persecution and Opposition Movements

Decline in Religious Persecution

• During Cárdenas' tenure, anti-religious governor Tomás Garrido Canabal was sidelined, leading to a noticeable decrease in religious persecution despite ongoing tensions.

Rise of Catholic Resistance

• Catholic bands organized against rural teachers amid accusations from right-wing sectors labeling the government as communist.

Political Opposition and Military Rebellion

Formation of Political Parties

• Manuel Gómez Morín founded the National Action Party (PAN) in September 1939 as opposition to cardenismo, advocating for democratic roots free from state corporatism.

Military Rebellions Against Cárdenas

• Saturnino Cedillo’s rebellion highlighted military dissent against Cárdenas’ government linked to foreign oil interests; Cedillo was noted as a last military cacique attempting revolt.

Cárdenas’ Educational Reforms

Emphasis on Rural Education

• As governor and later president, Cárdenas championed rural education through teachers who became pivotal community leaders advocating for agrarian reform.

Socialist Education Controversy

• The debate surrounding socialist education became prominent; it aimed at teaching rights defense but faced resistance due to traditional educational values still prevalent among families.

Cárdenas’ Public Image and Personal Life

Constructing a Public Persona

• Cárdenas cultivated an image of humility and dedication; he avoided formal attire and public spectacles while focusing on sports rather than nightlife or protocol.

Cárdenas and the Oil Expropriation Movement

Early Experiences and Government Stance

• Cárdenas recalls his experiences in Veracruz with Mujica, confronting oil companies' arrogance at the start of his administration. This sets a tone of resistance against foreign oil interests.

• In 1936, the expropriation law is published for public benefit; however, U.S. Ambassador Josephus Daniels receives assurances that it won't apply to oil and mining sectors.

Labor Conflicts and Nationalization Efforts

• By early 1937, Mujica drafts a project reaffirming that oil deposits belong to the nation, echoing principles from the 20 years prior at the Querétaro Convention. A labor conflict arises between oil workers and foreign companies later that year.

• The government denies intentions to nationalize while appointing experts for arbitration; by March 1, 1938, courts rule against oil companies regarding worker compensation claims.

Tensions Rise Over Compensation

• Companies are ordered to pay 26 million pesos by March 7; there are fears of military intervention in refineries if compliance fails. Cárdenas meets with Mujica to reflect on their past struggles in Huasteca ten years earlier.

• On March 18, companies agree to pay but dispute other benefits; Cárdenas tasks Mujica with drafting a manifesto emphasizing public interest over foreign capital manipulation.

Historical Context and Public Support

• The decision for expropriation is deeply rooted in Mexico's history and reflects both governmental aspirations and public sentiment towards sovereignty over natural resources. It requires decisive leadership amidst favorable circumstances for implementation.

• Citizens from all social classes contribute financially towards settling debts related to this movement, showcasing widespread support across society as they rally behind Cárdenas during significant events like rallies at Bellas Artes.

International Relations and Solidarity Actions

• Following the declaration of expropriation, American oil companies initiate a boycott against Mexico, forcing it to sell oil temporarily to fascist regimes in Italy and Germany; Cárdenas navigates these challenges amid international tensions leading up to WWII.

• Cárdenas expresses gratitude for being president during Roosevelt's tenure in the U.S., suggesting that American involvement in WWII would ultimately resolve conflicts surrounding Mexican oil policies.

Humanitarian Actions Amidst Political Turmoil

• In solidarity with Spanish Republicans during their civil war, Cárdenas publicly supports them while also welcoming refugees fleeing persecution from Europe into Mexico—demonstrating a commitment to humanitarian values alongside political strategy.

Lázaro Cárdenas: A Complex Legacy

Critique of Immigration and Political Conduct

• Manuel Gómez Morín criticized Mexico's behavior in Geneva, suggesting it allowed government officials to become agents of factions, amidst fears of "communist immigration" from pro-fascist circles.

• Observers like Manuel Moreno Sánchez noted the duality in Cárdenas' leadership, portraying him as both a tolerant president and a potential cacique.

Moral Change vs. Material Development

• Despite lacking significant material development achievements, Cárdenas is credited with instilling a moral change among the humble populace, empowering many marginalized individuals.

• Cárdenas was not a true republican; he significantly subordinated legislative and judicial powers to his authority.

Succession Struggles and Political Dynamics

• The internal party dynamics shifted towards generals Ávila Camacho and Mojica as potential successors, while anti-Cárdenista factions supported Juan Andrew Almazán.

• Cárdenas opted for the moderate military figure Ávila Camacho over more radical candidates due to concerns about political stability amid external pressures.

Election Controversies and Power Consolidation

• The official candidacy of Ávila Camacho emerged after Mujica withdrew; this led to contentious elections marked by violence against opposition forces.

• On December 1, 1940, Cárdenas reflected on his presidency's efforts to serve the needy by redistributing wealth and canceling privileges.

Post-Presidency Influence and Advocacy

• After leaving office at 45, Cárdenas became a moral voice within the system while enjoying life in Michoacán until World War II disrupted his peace.

• Appointed Secretary of Defense in September 1942, he played a crucial role during national crises but later grew critical of government actions under Ruiz Cortines.

Final Years: Advocacy for Democracy

• In later years under López Mateos' regime, he openly admired socialism and supported revolutionary movements while advocating for political prisoners.

• His public condemnation of the Tlatelolco massacre in October 1968 showcased his enduring commitment to social justice despite personal health struggles.

Legacy Reflections Before Death

• Before passing away in October 1970, Cárdenas articulated his political testament emphasizing democracy's importance through voting rights.