The 7 Causes of the Mexican Revolution

This uprising began in 1910 and brought about a social and political change in Mexico.

The human being is a gregarious and social being, which throughout history has generated different ways of grouping and living collectively.

But not all of them have always been successful: on multiple occasions inequalities, unrest, famine and totalitarian regimes have arisen, which over time can cause a citizenry tired of abuses and suffering to decide to organize a revolution.

Examples are the French Revolution or the Russian Revolution. Another great example, this time in Central America, is the Mexican Revolution, which is considered one of the most relevant political movements in that country. Why did it take place? Throughout this article, we will briefly review the causes of the Mexican Revolution..

• Recommended article: "The 10 best myths of Mexico (with their explanations)".

What was the Mexican Revolution?

The Mexican Revolution is the name given to a socio-political movement and armed conflict that arose at the beginning of the 20th century as a response to numerous crises and to the discontent and repulsion (especially by the peasantry and the working class) towards the existing policies during the dictatorship of Porfirio Díaz.

Emiliano Zapata.

The Mexican Revolution began with the Plan of San Luis on November 20, 1910.At that time, Francisco Madero, after escaping to the United States after being accused of sedition by the government of Porfirio Diaz, called the people of Mexico to arms to overthrow the dictator. Madero achieved the presidency a year later when Díaz resigned and went into exile, but his policies and lack of sensitivity towards the peasants and the problems they presented clashed with the ideals of other leaders such as Emilano Zapata or Félix Díaz.

Uprisings and conflicts appeared, such as the Decena Trágica, after which General Victoriano Huerta would end up changing sides and would end up removing Madero, proclaiming himself president and then assassinating his predecessor. However, Huerta was not recognized as president and was considered a usurper, which triggered the formation of the Plan de Guadalupe in which leaders such as Venustiano Carranza, Álvaro Obregón and Pancho Villa formed a conglomerate of constitutionalist forces to seek his removal.

After achieving it and appointing Eulalio Gutiérrez as president, Carranza chose not to recognize the agreement, which would resume hostilities until 1917, when Carranza became president, as well as the drafting of the Constitution. Although the struggle would not end until many years later, there were different uprisings and many of the leaders (including Zapata and Carranza himself) were assassinated in the following years.

Main causes of the Mexican Revolution

We have made a brief historical introduction to the Mexican Revolution, but... what were its causes? The following is a breakdown of some of the main problems and unrest that triggered its outbreak..

1. Porfirio Diaz's Dictatorship

The Mexican Revolution was born as mentioned above as a process of revolution against the dictatorship of Porfirio Diaz, a military man who held the office of president on a total of seven occasions between 1877 and 1911, with his uninterrupted mandate between 1884 and 1911 as a dictatorship for life through the modification and manipulation of the Constitution and breaking his commitment not to remain in office.

Although the economic situation of the country improved under his mandate, it did so in an unequal way, harming the peasant classes and under high levels of political repression, violence and censorship. There was no political freedom or democracy, and the population could not elect their representatives, who were always chosen by Díaz, with great privileges for his family and close environment.

2. Social Inequality

Another major cause of the revolution's success lies in a strong perception of social inequality.. The land and economic growth was only in the hands of the elites, being the peasantry mistreated and their lands expropriated while businessmen, clergy and in general the upper class had great power and privileges. In addition, there was great discrimination against the native population in favor of foreigners.

3. Lack of labor law

In relation to the previous point, there was no labor law regulating the rights of the workers.. Peasants and workers were exploited and their rights were nonexistent, with workdays of up to twelve hours without a guaranteed minimum wage and without the option to protest. In addition, their indebtedness was sought for life, so that they would accept extreme working conditions.

4. Expropriations and large estates

The lands of peasants and indigenous people were expropriated during the Porfiriato (through the law of demarcation and colonization of uncultivated lands) and subsequently placed in the hands of a few businessmen and foreign landowners.

Huge latifundia were generated, from which only a few benefitedGenerally exploiting the peasant population that had previously owned them. Only a small percentage of the land was in the hands of the native population.

5. Administration from abroad

During Díaz's government government, he sought to encourage foreign investment in the country.. Although this caused the country's economy to grow and recover in part, it ended up causing most of the country's wealth to end up in the hands of foreign companies and individuals.

6. Lack of freedom of expression

Censorship was also a common element that contributed to the outbreak of the Mexican Revolution.. Strikes and protests were quickly repressed with great violence and banned. In addition, the press and the media could not express opinions or data contrary to the government.

7. Repression and violence

Another characteristic of the Díaz dictatorship was the high level of repression, both political and directed at citizens.both political and directed at citizens. Protests were harshly repressed, often with numerous casualties among the protesters.

Assassinations were not uncommon, and the so-called Rural Corps was created to prevent dissent and protests with violent methods in rural areas. Practices such as letting prisoners flee and then murdering them under the pretext of preventing their escape were common.