The Mexican Revolution How did Mexico achieve its independence? • Mexico achieved its independence from Spain in 1821 – Achieved with the help of men like Padre Morelos
• Developed a constitution in 1824 similar to the US What problems did the new Mexican nation face? • Serious problems: – Issues with the Catholic Church – Issues over class / wealth – No experience with democracy – Issues with the US (“the Colossus of the North”)
• Mexico also lacked a strong / honest leader Mexico’s Long Dictator History Mexico’s Issues with the Catholic Church Mexico’s Long History of the Poor General Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna Issues with Texas The Texas War for Independence The Alamo The Mexican War Los Niños Héroes Santa Anna’s Leg How did the wars with Texas and the United States effect Mexico?
• The wars with Texas and the US caused much turmoil in the Mexican government – Constant disputes for power / revolts
• Issues between the rich, poor, and the Church added to the chaos Who was Benito Juarez?
• Benito Juarez was a reformer president – 1806-1872
• Background: – Born into a poor Indian family – Lawyer / Judge – Former governor
• Wanted to help reform Mexico for the better How did Juarez reform Mexico for the better? • Juarez introduced a reform movement called “La Reforma” – Less power for the Church – Land reform for the poor – More education
• Juarez’s political enemies rebelled – Civil war / foreign intervention (Europe) The Mexican War of Reform (1857-1861) French Intervention in the War / Conquest (1861-67) Mexican Emperor Maximilien Emperor Maximilien’s Execution Juarez Returns!!! What happens in Mexico after Juarez’s death?
• Juarez dies in 1872 a national hero – However, many of Juarez’s reforms didn’t last
• In 1876, Porfirio Diaz becomes Mexico’s new military dictator Who was Porfirio Diaz?
• Porfirio Diaz was a former military hero turned politician – 1830-1915
• Had served with Juarez in the war against the French – Supported by the military and the rich What was life like in Mexico under Diaz? • Diaz was considered a dictator throughout much of his rule – Undid many of Juarez’s reforms – A corrupt leader
• Operated a strong secret police known as the “Los Rurales” Los Rurales Artists’ depictions of Diaz and his wealthy supporters How did the Mexican people respond to Diaz’s rule? • In the early 1900’s, the Mexican people revolted – The Mexican Revolution (1910-1928)
• Many leaders: – Francisco Madero (political) – Francisco “Pancho” Villa (military) – Emiliano Zapata (military) Francisco Madero
A popular politician among Mexico’s poor, Madero challenged Diaz for the presidency in 1908. He was sent into exile in the US for daring to oppose Diaz. Francisco “Poncho” Villa
Popular among Mexico’s poor, Villa was a cowhand- turned-revolutionary, who led his men against Diaz’s forces along the Mexican border with the US. Villa also raided American border towns for food and supplies, angering US President Woodrow Wilson Villa with his followers Villia’s Raid on Columbus, NM
In March of 1916 Villa’s men raided Columbus, NM and killed 18 Americans. As a result, President Wilson ordered the US Army into Mexico. The American Punitive Expedition (1916-17) Expedition leader, General John J. “Black Jack” Pershing American troops in Mexico Villa’s Assassination (1923) Emiliano Zapata
A powerful revolutionary leader, Zapata lead raiders against Diaz’s forces in southern Mexico. Eventually, Zapata was killed in an ambush with Diaz forces though his men kept fighting in his memory. Zapata with Poncho Villa in 1911 Zapata’s Body What was the results of the Mexican Revolution?
• Diaz’s death in 1911 ushered in a new power struggle in Mexico – Many more revolutions before order was restored
• The legacy of violence and dictatorship has continued to be a problem for Mexico today New Issues: The Drug War