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A series of ancient civilizations made their home in Mexico, including the Olmecs, Aztecs, Zapotecs and Maya. The Olmecs are believed to have created their civilization around 1000 BC and the Maya continued until the Spanish arrived in Mexico.
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Spain controlled Mexico for 300 years beginning with conquistador Hernando Cortes; Mexico was called "New Spain". A strong social hierarchy was established and Mexico became a resource hub.
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In 1810, Miguel Hidalgo led the first of several fights for independence.
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In 1821, Mexico finally won independence. However, they then entered a period of political losses and instability.
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Between 1833-1855, presidential administrations cycled quickly. Caudillos - local warlords - had main regional authority. Central America also opted out of Mexican rule/unity, showing the disunity and lack of legitimacy possessed by the Mexican government.
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In 1848, the Treaty of Guadalupe-Hidalgo ended the Mexican-American War. The U.S. received most of the midwest as part of the Mexican Cession - New Mexico, Utah, Nevada, Arizona, California and Colorado. Texas had already become an American state in 1845.
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From 1876-1911, dictator Porfirio Diaz ruled via military coup. His oligarchy was filled with cientificos, advisers who believed in improving science/economy. Although it was stable, the gap between rich and poor increased and the presidency became a dictatorship.
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Revolution of reformers - caudillos fought each other.
1. Emiliano Zapata led peasant uprising (central/S)
2. Francisco Villa controlled military (N)
Francisco Madero ultimately became elected president -
Guaranteed agrarian reform, social security, unions + workplace health regulations, etc.
Limited power of foreign investors
Anticlericalism - opposition to power of church
**women cannot vote until 1958 -
Plutarco Elias Calles took control from 1924-1928.
Established the PRI (Institutional Revolutionary Party)
Sexenio - each president has one 6-yr. term, other leaders = powerful positions -
Controlled Mexico from 1934-1940
Ejidos - collective land grants taken from wealthy and given to be worked by peasants (ejidatarios = recipients)
PEMEX - nationalized oil industry
Import Substitution Industrialization - high tariffs to protect local goods -
Lasted in its worst from 1940-1982
Clientelism - informal policymaking in which a more powerful official ("patron") offers resources in exchange for support/services of less powerful citizens ("clients")
Very corrupt; much preferential treatment and inequality -
From 1982-2000, major reforms took place under presidents Madrid and Salinas
Neoliberalism - free markets, free trade and limited governmental economic intervention
NAFTA = 1994; eliminated trade barriers between USA/Canada/Mexico -
Represented general political instability - economic crisis, PRI candidate is assassinated, etc.
Rebellion - Zapatistas took 4 towns in Chiapas to demand land, democracy, repeal of NAFTA and recognition of indigenous people -
Fox was the first non-PRI president in 71 years - represented the PAN (National Action Party) instead
Represented questioning of PRI power monopoly - wanted opposition parties, fairer elections, responsive officials, etc. -
Current president Enrique Peña Nieto was elected in 2012
He is a member of the PRI
