Development of Mexico

OVERVIEW

• Development occurred between 19th to early 20th centuries
• Reform movement following loss in Mexican-American War
• Political, social, and economic reform
• Different responses from different social classes, social tension
• Revolution demanding ideals from "La reforma"

War and Reform

• Different administrative rule leading to liberal reform
• Political turmoil and the Mexican-American War
• Consolidation of the caudillo, General Antonio López Santa Ana
• Defeat and disillusion
• Liberal reform movement to reshape Mexican society

La Reforma

• President Benito Juárez (1806-1872)
• Limit of military power and Roman Catholic church influence
• Tierra y libertad, participation of citizens in political affairs
• Constitution of 1857 and land redistribution
• Speculator and large landowner purchase rather than indigenous peoples

Mexican Revolution

• Opposition of reforms by Mexican elites
• Mexican Revolution (1911-1920)
• Overthrow of powerful dictator Porfirio Díaz
• Revolutionary leaders Emiliano Zapata and Francisco (Pancho) Villa
• Lower classes followed Zapata and Villa in fight for La Reforma ideals

End of Revolution

• Forces of Zapata and Villa unsuccessful against government armies
• End in 1919 after death of Zapata
• Government control of war torn land
• Mexican Constitution of 1917 addressed issues from revolution
• Reform in land redistribution, suffrage, education, working conditions, etc.

ANALYSIS AND REVIEW

• Different types of administration led to different reforms
• Leaders influenced the effectiveness of reform ideals
• Different social classes created divisions and conflicts
• Oppression of lower class led to revolution against dictator
• Constitutions, both in 1857 and 1917, finalized most reforms in Mexico