La Escuela NacionalPreparatoria durante la Revolución Mexicana.

Summary

In this engaging conversation, historian Angélica Araceli González García discusses the historical significance of the National Preparatory School in Mexico, focusing on its connection to the Mexican Revolution. The dialogue covers the school's founding, its evolving role in Mexico's education system, and how it adapted to political and social changes during the Revolution. Through anecdotes and insights, González Garcia highlights the impact of the Revolution on educational reforms, societal shifts, and the school's legacy, offering a captivating journey through Mexican history and its academic institutions.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Mexican Revolution was a social, political, and economic movement demanding justice, freedom of expression, and labor rights, leading to the overthrow of Porfirio Díaz.
• 😀 The National Preparatory School (Escuela Nacional Preparatoria) was founded in 1867, and its first director was Dr. Gabino Barreda, with a curriculum designed for higher education.
• 😀 The National Preparatory School was central to the creation of the National University of Mexico, which was inaugurated in 1910 in the presence of Justo Sierra, the then Minister of Public Instruction.
• 😀 The 1910 Mexican Revolution impacted the preparatory school, with students participating in protests, voicing opposition to Díaz, and supporting the revolutionaries.
• 😀 In 1911, Porfirio Díaz resigned, and the political upheaval continued, affecting the preparatory school's leadership and academic programs.
• 😀 Justo Sierra's legacy is significant, as he championed the educational reform that led to the foundation of the National University, influencing the development of Mexican education.
• 😀 During the Huerta regime (1913-1914), the National Preparatory School saw changes in its educational programs, including the introduction of courses on ethics, philosophy, and art, reflecting a shift from strict positivism.
• 😀 Some students attempted to join the revolutionary forces, but their efforts were quickly quelled, leading to their release and a more subdued role for students in the revolution.
• 😀 In 1917, the Constitution of Mexico was enacted, including Article 3, which made education mandatory, free, and secular, shaping the future of educational institutions like the preparatory school.
• 😀 The revolution brought about the creation of the Night Preparatory School for workers in 1923, showing the impact of the revolution on making education more accessible to marginalized groups.
• 😀 The National Preparatory School has been a dynamic institution, continuously adapting to political, social, and educational changes, contributing to social mobility and equality in Mexico.

Q & A

What was the central focus of the conversation between Maestra Angélica Araceli González García and Maestro Enrique Alejandro González?

The conversation focused on the impact of the Mexican Revolution on the National Preparatory School, its role in the academic and student life during that period, and how historical events shaped the development of the school.

How did the National Preparatory School come into existence?

The National Preparatory School was founded by constitutional decree on December 2, 1867, and started its courses in February 1868. Its first director was Dr. Gabino Barreda, and its original curriculum consisted of five years of studies for students to choose a career in various national schools.

What was the significance of the founding of the National University of Mexico in 1910?

The National University of Mexico was formally inaugurated on September 22, 1910, marking a pivotal moment in the country's educational development. This event took place at the National Preparatory School, and it signified the establishment of a national educational institution that would become the foundation for higher education in Mexico.

What political events influenced the National Preparatory School during the Mexican Revolution?

During the Mexican Revolution, the National Preparatory School was heavily influenced by the political unrest, with students and faculty participating in protests and demanding changes, including the resignation of President Porfirio Díaz. The political atmosphere, especially in the wake of Francisco Madero's uprising, directly affected the school's environment.

How did the community at the National Preparatory School react to Porfirio Díaz’s resignation?

The community at the National Preparatory School actively participated in the political turmoil, with protests and demands for Díaz’s resignation. Following his resignation in May 1911, the school saw continued unrest, and even the director at the time, Dr. Manuel Flórez, faced protests from students.

What role did Justo Sierra play in the educational reforms of the time?

Justo Sierra was instrumental in the creation of the National University and in advocating for the inclusion of the National Preparatory School within the university system. He played a key role in the promotion of educational reforms that were aligned with the ideals of the revolution and the establishment of a new educational order.

What changes occurred in the National Preparatory School during the Huerta regime?

During the Huerta regime, significant changes were made in the National Preparatory School, such as a revision of the school's motto, modifications to the curriculum, and the introduction of new courses on ethics, philosophy, and art. These changes were part of a larger shift away from positivist ideologies and toward a more practical and inclusive education.

How did the curriculum of the National Preparatory School change under Ezequiel A. Chávez’s leadership?

Under Ezequiel A. Chávez’s leadership, there was a move to adapt the National Preparatory School's curriculum to reflect more practical and modern needs. The curriculum was updated to include new subjects like ethics, philosophy, and art, and a shift from an overly theoretical approach to a more hands-on, inclusive style of education was emphasized.

How did the political instability affect the students of the National Preparatory School?

The political instability of the time, including the Huerta regime, led to a period of minor but notable student activism. While the majority of students were not actively involved in the military conflicts, there were instances, such as the failed attempt of a group of students to join rebel forces in 1913, that highlighted the political tensions within the school.

What legacy did the National Preparatory School leave in terms of Mexican education after the Revolution?

The National Preparatory School’s legacy lies in its ability to adapt to historical changes and contribute to the development of education in Mexico. It played a significant role in social mobility and in making education more accessible, particularly after the establishment of the preparatory school for workers in 1923, which was a key achievement in the post-revolutionary educational reforms.