Nationalism and the Mexican Revolution, part 1

Summary

This lecture covers the Mexican Revolution, exploring its phases and causes. It begins by outlining the political and economic conditions under Porfirio Díaz, highlighting the oligarchy, patronage systems, and repression that defined his rule. The revolution’s origins are traced to rising discontent among workers, peasants, and the emerging middle class, spurred by exploitation, political exclusion, and social inequality. The lecture also touches on key figures like Francisco Madero and the Flores Magon brothers, who challenged Díaz’s regime. The revolution was ignited by Madero's call for free elections, leading to a broad-based uprising against the dictator.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Mexican Revolution fits Chasteen's pattern: transition from neocolonial export boom and European models to nationalism and broader political inclusion.
• 📚 The revolution is best seen in two phases: a violent phase (~1910–1920) and a constructive/consolidation phase (1920–1940).
• 🩸 The violent phase lasted about ten years because many groups attached different meanings and goals to the conflict.
• 🏛️ The constructive phase (1920–1940) consolidated a strong government, promoted indigenous and working-class roles in national identity, and stabilized power for decades.
• 👥 Porfirio Díaz ruled Mexico for ~35 years, overseeing economic growth, urban modernization, and an export boom funded largely by foreign investment.
• ⚖️ Díaz maintained power through managed elections, patronage networks, the rurales (rural police), press control, and repression — summarized as 'pan o palo' (carrot or stick).
• 🌾 Rural peasants (peones/campesinos) suffered from low wages, high inflation, the hacienda/debt peonage system, and concentrated land ownership, fueling unrest.
• 💼 Urban workers and rising middle classes benefitted somewhat economically from modernization but were politically excluded, increasing demands for representation.
• ✊ Opposition leaders — including the Flores Magón brothers and Francisco Madero — mobilized different critiques: radical labor reform and anti-re-electionist democratic reform, respectively.
• 🔥 Key sparks in 1910: Díaz’s aging, the centennial independence celebrations, Díaz’s broken promise not to run, Madero’s book and anti-re-election campaign, and jailed opposition.
• 🌐 Events like the Cananea mine strike exposed foreign investor favoritism and cross-border interventions (Texas Rangers), intensifying popular anger.
• 📈 The revolution produced new rhetoric about land, labor, and education that replaced export-boom priorities, but patronage and repression persisted after the conflict.

Q & A

What was the political and economic structure of Mexico during the late 19th century under Porfirio Díaz?

Mexico was ruled by a political and economic oligarchy, where power was concentrated in the hands of a few elite families. This system was characterized by patronage and repression, with local elites often having significant autonomy. Díaz maintained control through managed elections and a network of political favoritism, ensuring his rule was largely unchallenged.

How did the export boom affect Mexico's social classes during the Porfiriato?

The export boom fueled economic growth, particularly in mining, agriculture, and textiles. While the urban industrial and middle classes benefited from this growth, the rural working classes, particularly peasants, saw little improvement in their living standards. They faced low wages, high inflation, and poor working conditions, contributing to rising discontent.

What were the main grievances of the rural population under Díaz's regime?

The rural population, especially peasants (peones and campesinos), faced harsh conditions under the hacienda system. They were often trapped in debt and had little freedom, unable to leave until their debts were paid off. The concentration of land in the hands of a few elites, including foreign investors, exacerbated inequality and further entrenched the rural poor in a cycle of poverty.

What role did the 'rurales' play in maintaining Díaz's control over Mexico?

The rurales were a rural police force used by Díaz to maintain order in the countryside. They helped suppress unrest, monitored shipments, and ensured political compliance. They also played a significant role in the repression of strikes and protests, reinforcing the authoritarian nature of Díaz's rule.

How did the Cananea copper mine strike contribute to the outbreak of the Mexican Revolution?

The Cananea copper mine strike in 1906 highlighted the exploitation of Mexican workers by foreign interests, particularly U.S. investors. When Díaz's government sided with the foreign mine owners and used the Texas Rangers to suppress the strike, it led to a major loss of life and intensified anger against Díaz's favoritism towards foreign businesses at the expense of Mexican workers.

What was Francisco Madero's stance on Díaz's regime, and how did it lead to the revolution?

Francisco Madero was an elite figure who opposed Díaz's repeated re-election and his suppression of democratic processes. Madero called for effective suffrage, meaning that elections should reflect the will of the people, not be manipulated. He formed the Anti-Re-electionist Party, which challenged Díaz's hold on power and sparked the revolution after Díaz jailed him and rigged the 1910 elections.

Why was the timing of the Mexican Revolution significant in 1910?

The Mexican Revolution erupted in 1910, coinciding with both the 100th anniversary of Mexico's independence and Díaz's 80th birthday. Díaz used these events to showcase Mexico's progress under his rule, inviting foreign dignitaries and media. This celebration of Mexico's achievements, paired with Díaz's refusal to allow democratic elections, sparked Madero's call for rebellion, which was seen as the beginning of the revolution.

How did the hacienda system perpetuate inequality in rural Mexico?

The hacienda system concentrated land ownership in the hands of a few wealthy landowners, often in collusion with Díaz's regime. Peasants worked the land but were tied to it through debt, unable to leave until they paid off what they owed. This system created a cycle of poverty and kept the rural population disenfranchised and politically powerless.

What were some of the key economic challenges facing Mexico under Díaz's regime?

Key economic challenges included high inflation, stagnant wages for workers, and extreme inequality. Despite the growth fueled by the export boom, many Mexicans, particularly the rural and working classes, saw few benefits. The concentration of wealth and land in the hands of a few elites and foreign investors deepened economic disparities.

How did the political exclusion of the middle class contribute to the revolution?

While the middle class experienced some economic growth due to the export boom, they were politically excluded from the oligarchy. Their inability to participate in meaningful political processes, combined with increasing dissatisfaction with Díaz's authoritarian rule, led to growing support for Madero and other opposition movements, contributing to the revolution's outbreak.