The Mexican Revolution 1910-40*
This section focuses on the causes, course and impact of the Mexican Revolution that occurred in a country that had experienced a lengthy period of political stability and economic growth. The socio-economic composition of revolutionary leadership was varied, as were the aims. The revolution was prolonged and costly. The Constitution of 1917 has been described as the most progressive constitution created at this time in the region. It had significant influence on the political developments of the country and the area. The revolution impacted greatly on the arts, arguably representing the earliest and most enduring attempt to overcome racial divisions and incorporate the Indian heritage into the national identity.
• Causes of the Mexican Revolution: social, economic and political; the role of the Porfiriato regime • The revolution and its leaders (1910-17): ideologies, aims and methods of Madero, Villa, Zapata, Carranza; achievements and failures; Constitution of 1917: nature and application • Construction of the post-revolutionary state (1920-38): Obregón, Calles and the Maximato; challenges; assessment of their impact in the post-revolutionary state • Lázaro Cárdenas and the renewal of the revolution (1939-40): aims, methods and achievements • The role of foreign powers (especially the United States) in the outbreak and development of the Mexican Revolution; motivations, methods of intervention and contributions • Impact of the revolution on the arts, education and music (suitable examples could be Siqueiros, Rivera, Orozco); the impact of Vasconcelos’ educational reforms; the development of popular music; literary works on the revolution
1. “The Porfiriato regime unleashed the Mexican Revolution.” To what extent do you agree with this statement? (M12)
2. To what extent were the aims of the Mexican Constitution of 1917 achieved by 1940? (M12)
3. “The aims of Emiliano Zapata and Pancho Villa were achieved by 1920.” To what extent do you agree with this statement? (N12)
4. In what ways, and with what results, did Lázaro Cárdenas attempt to renew the Mexican Revolution during his presidency? (N12)
5. “The Mexican Constitution of 1917 was more radical in theory than in practice.” To what extent do you agree with this statement? (M13)
6. Examine the impact of the Mexican Revolution on two of the following: the arts; education; music. (M13)
7. Compare and contrast the challenges faced by Álvaro Obregón and Plutarco Calles in the efforts to reconstruct a post-revolutionary state in Mexico. (N13)
8. In what ways were either the arts or education affected by the Mexican Revolution (1910–1940)? (N13)
9. Examine the successes and failures of Álvaro Obregón’s rule (1920–1924). (M14)
10. Compare and contrast the political and economic policies of Plutarco Elías Calles and Lázaro Cárdenas. (M14)
11. “Political factors were more important than economic factors in causing the Mexican Revolution.” To what extent do you agree with this statement? (N14)
12. “As a Mexican revolutionary leader, Francisco Madero’s policies led to more achievements than failures.” To what extent do you agree with this statement? (N14)
13. Compare and contrast the aims and methods of Villa and Zapata in the Mexican Revolution. (M15)
14. Examine the impact of the educational reforms of Vasconcelos. (M15)
15. “Social grievances were the breeding ground of the Mexican Revolution.” To what extent do you agree with this statement? (N15)
16. “The Maximato brought stability to Mexico.” To what extent do you agree with this statement? (N15)
17. “Zapata was more revolutionary than Villa.” Discuss. (M16)
18. Evaluate the impact of US efforts to influence the Mexican Revolution. (M16)
19. “The Mexican Revolution was not started by the oppressed; it began with a division within the dominant elite.” Discuss. (N16)
20. Examine the impact of the Mexican revolution on the arts and education. (N16)
21. Evaluate the key achievements and failures of the Mexican Revolution. (Sample)
22. Discuss the role played by foreign powers in the outbreak and development of the Mexican Revolution. (Sample)
23. “In the period prior to the start of the Mexican Revolution, political factors contributed more than economic factors to the maintenance of power of Porfirio Diaz.” Discuss. (M17)
24. “The Mexican state dealt successfully with post-revolutionary challenges between 1920 and 1940.” Discuss. (M17)
25. Discuss the nature and significance of Mexico’s 1917 Constitution. (N17)
26. “By 1940, Lázaro Cárdenas had achieved all of his aims.” Discuss. (N17)