Main Idea: Political, economic, and social inequalities in
Mexico triggered a period of revolution and reform.
I)
Mexican Revolution
1. 1833-1855: Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna dominates Mexican political life
a
Texas Revolt: Alamo (won); Battle of San Jacinto
(lost—captured—released—power lost)
2.
Mexican War: US vs. Santa Anna (regained power) over
Texas-Mexico border
a
US gains vast Western territories from Mexico (Southwest)
B.
Benito Juárez
1.
Liberal reformer; led reform movement— La Reforma
a
Redistribution of land, separation of church and state,
increased educational opportunities
2.
Mexico undergoes civil war and invasion fro France
a
After French withdraw, many reforms
3.
1872—dies
1.
Ousts the president; rules until 1911 (30 yrs.); elections
were meaningless
a
Supporters: land, power, political favors
b
Opposition: terrorized
2.
“Order and Progress”
a
Stabilizes country’s economy // most still live in poverty
D.
Revolution & Civil War
1.
1910: Mexicans want reform
2.
Francisco Madero leads revolution from exile; believed in
democracy
3.
Supported revolution with armies
a
Francisco “Pancho” Villa: Robin Hood policy
b
Emiliano Zapata: protect the peasant/small farmers rights
4.
Diaz steps down, elections called
a
Madero president—resigns & murdered
b
General Victoriano Huerta overthrown by Venustiano Carranza
5.
1917: Progressive Mexican constitution adopted; 1920—in
effect
a
Carranza did not support final draft; overthrown by Alvaro
Obregón