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Reformers and Revolutionaries A Critical Analysis of the Leaders of the Mexican Revolution

The leaders of the Mexican revolution all had different ideas as to how the nation should be and how change (or the lack thereof) should be created and enforced. The individual leaders ranged from conservatives to reformers to revolutionaries. This was evidenced by their relative desire to reform Mexican society and their ability to do so.

Francisco Madero Image from [|here]

Francisco Madero was undoubtedly an agent of change in Mexican politics and a key figure in the initiation of the Mexican revolution; however, Madero cannot be classified as either a true revolutionary or a true reformer. Madero did not intend to dramatically overthrow a corrupt government and begin anew as a revolutionary would. He did not promote or create major social or political changes to truly reform Mexico. Rather Madero was a very moderate politician who unleashed the radical forces of revolution mistakenly as he tried to work within the status quo. Madero was an aristocrat from one of the richest families in Mexico. Madero returned to Mexico from Europe with new political views and became aware of the great poverty and suffering caused by Diaz’s failing government. He worked to make change starting first with his own hacienda, increasing wages, improving living conditions and building schools (Creed). He got involved with politics in 1904 first in his province of Coahuila. After Diaz mentioned true democracy in the Creelman interview, Madero wrote //Sucesion Presidencial//  //de 1910// in which he attacked the dictatorship, though it did not condemn Diaz personally. Madero then ran for the presidency aided by the anti-reelectionist press, and intellectuals. However Madero had little chance of a fair election; during his run Madero and his supporters were arrested, violence broke out and the dictatorship elected itself. (Stoops) Madero was allowed to flee to Texas. There he wrote the [|Plan of San Luis Potosi] which declared the election void, Madero provisional president, and promised moderate political reforms. The Plan also hinted at land reforms and more radical change that Madero never planned to implement. This part of the plan did cuase Madero to gain the support of Pancho Villa, Emiliano Zapata, Pascual Orozco and other revolutionaries. He was then able to lead a successful revolution against Daiz (Keen 283). Once in office Madero showed little ambition for the change and reform that his revolutionary supporter hoped he would champion. Madero limited his own ability to make change when he placed Francisco de la Barra as provisional president (Creed). De la Barra created a conservative cabinet and effectively eliminated the momentum of Madero’s movement. This caused the revolutionaries to turn against Madero and many citizens to distrust the new government. Madero himself did little to mitigate this worry as he did not want radical reform and did not pursue moderate reform with the urgency the revolutionaries believed necessary. This factors combined to make the Madero presidency ineffective and unsatisfactory (Stoops). As the revolutionary groups moved to full rebellion Madero leaned more upon his Chief of the Armed Forces, Victoriano Huerta who would soon led a coup that ended in the murder of Madero. Madero’s presidency was doomed from the day he issued the Plan of San Luis Potosi. When he did this he made promises his own beliefs would not allow him to keep and gained the support of men who could not accept merely moderate change. Even if de la Barra had not paralyzed Madero’s reform, there would not have been a happy ending for the new president. Ultimately Madero rejected the revolution and was could not make claim to the title of reformer. Madero may have wanted change but he did not want true political or social reform. He wanted a higher standard of living and a better society and yet remained unwilling to make the radical change necessary for prosperity for all Mexicans.

Victoriano Huerta Image from [|here]

There can be little doubt in anyone’s mind that Victoriano Huerta was neither a revolutionary nor reformer. Huerta had been a top general of Diaz before his fall and never let go of the ideology of his regime. Huerta ran against Madero in the election of 1910, but always the opportunist Huerta integrated himself into the new Madero government. As the revolutionary armies moved against Madero, Huerta was trusted increasingly as Madero depended upon him to hold them back (Creed). Huerta had in no way signed onto Madero’s plans and moved against him the first opportunity he got. By 1913 Huerta had a coup in motion. Conspiring with Felix Diaz and U.S. ambassador Henry Lane Wilson, Huerta set off the Decena Tragica, ten days of brutal violence that ended with Madero’s imprisonment. When Madero was killed “attempting to escape” it was clear that Huerta was behind it (Minster). Huerta’s brutality only increased during his term. The Huerta dictatorship moved to return Mexico to the policies of Diaz. Huerta created a government friendly to the aristocracy, church and foreign investors, and allowed patronage and nepotism to flourish. Initially Huerta tried to placate the masses by continuing Madero’s labor policies, but he quickly abandoned this and eventually shut down the Casa del Obrero Mundial. Huerta took the hard line against his opposition, demanding submission and threatening disappearance (Keen 287). There was no lack of opposition to Huerta; Zapata, Villa and Obregon were united in wanting Villa out of office. Huerta faced constant attacks in different regions from the revolutionaries. The greatest of these was the Battle of Zacatacas in which Villas forced won a great victory, killing 6,000 federal soldiers (Minister). Huerta’s regime also had problems with international relations. The U.S. had refused to recognize Huerta’s rule and later pressured Britain and Germany to distance themselves from the dictator. This led to the U.S. invasion of Veracruz in 1914. Huerta could see that his regime could not last as he failed to hold back the revolutionaries or appease the U.S. and fled to Europe on July 15, 1914 (Keen, 290). Huerta was the antithesis of the revolution. He forced the country back to the antiquated policies of Diaz and completely rejected the reforms of Madero and the revolutionaries.

Venustiano Carranza Carranza was the most conservative of the rebel leaders that supported Madero in his struggle for the presidency and ran Huerta out of office. He was unwilling to make radical changes to Mexican society, but still became a great reformer of Mexico. Though Carranza cannot be labeled a true revolutionary in the same way as Zapata and Villa, he reformed Mexico and greatly shaped its history. Though Carranza had opposed Diaz, he was fairly cautious during Madero’s try for the presidency and supported him while safe in Texas. After Madero took power, Carranza governed the province of Coahuila. When Huerta became president with a coup, Carranza refused to recognize him and began a revolt (Creed). Carranza then wrote the Plan of Guadalupe which was first and foremost a constitutionalist document that denounced Huerta. However it also contained some promises of social reform such as improved conditions for the poor, stronger ejidos and the right to work (Keen 288). Carranza named himself the First Chief of the Constitutionalist movement and united the other revolutionaries in a struggle to remove Huerta. After the fall of Huerta the revolutionary leaders fought amongst themselves for the presidency. After fleeing to Veracruz and defeating Villa’s army at Celaya, in 1915 Carranza was the undisputed president (Williamson). The first major act of the Carranza presidency was to convene a constitutional convention. The [|Constitution of 1917] turned out to be the most liberal and influential document in modern Mexican history with drastic reform in the areas of labor, land and the role of the church. However Carranza cannot be credited with it as he had supported only moderate political reform in the constitution. A group of radicals had seized control of the convention and shaped the document (Keen 293). Though Carranza was not responsible for the reformist constitution of 1917 he moved for significant change in other areas. He strongly believed in national unity, economic development and basic freedoms. How successful he was in each of these areas is debatable but it is certain that Carranza empowered the average citizen and was connected to the needs of the peasantry. He improved the standard of living and education increasing school attendance 20% (Layfield). Carranza was opposed to U.S. involvement in Mexican affairs which made the relations between the two countries extremely tense. Tensions peaked when U.S. general Pershing crossed the border in pursuit of Pancho Villa, an incident that led Mexico and the U.S. to the brink of war (Creed). Later in his rule, Carranza became more conservative and slowed his social reforms. When his term ended in 1920 Carranza planned to have his hand-picked successor elected. But, Obregon revolted successfully and Carranza was assassinated on May 21, 1920. Carranza was not radical enough to be accepted by the other dominate leader of his time but overall he was a successful reformer who created real progress for many of the Mexicans that had been left behind.

Francisco “Pancho” Villa __ www.revolutions.truman.edu/mexico/pvilla.asp#_ftn1 __ [|www.history1900’s.about.com/cs/panchovilla/p/panchovilla.htm] __ www.militaryhistory.about.com /od/army/p/panchovilla.htm __ __ http://history1900s.about.com/cs/panchovilla/p/panchovilla.htm __ Born Francisco Villa, into a mixed blood family; Pancho started life with little and this probably contributed to his cruel short tempter and patience. These two attributes drove him to be a great guerilla warrior. At a young age, maybe 19 to 20, he was already shaping himself to be a reformer. For example Pancho stole cattle and robbed ships, but not for himself he was always doing this for the greater good of everyone. Just like Robin Hood, steal from the rich and give to the poor. He was also an excellent escape artist. These two things lead him to the revolutionary leaders of his time. By 1896, Pancho had joined some bandits in the mountains of San Juan del Rio, Durango and became their leader. In 1910, pancho joined Madero's cause and agreed to be the leader of the revolutionary army. In May 1911, Pancho resigned due to a conflict with Pascual Orozco Jr., Madero’s running mate. After Diaz was booted from office Madero was president and had problems from the inside, his running mate Orozco felt cheated, so he started a rebellion in 1912. Pancho joined Huerta and together they took on Madero. But their partnership against Madero would soon fail; in June 1912 Huerta accused Villa of stealing horse so he sentenced him to be executed. Surprisingly, Madero saved Pancho’s life and sends him instead to prison for 7 months. Pancho being the master escape artist that he is, escaped to the United States that same year. Huerta was for Madero, now he is against him and on Feb. 23, 1913 Huerta kills Madero; soon after he assumes presidency. Villa and Carranza work together against Huerta They are very successful in their attempts. Pancho conquers Chihuahua and other northern areas relocated land and stabilized economy March 1913 Huerta ordered to murder Abraham Gonzales friend of villa Villa won Ciudad Juarez, Tierra Blanca, Chihuahua and Ojinaga return to Mexico used Railroad against Huerta and won Battle of Celaya April 13 1915 Villa defeated 4000 killed 6000 captured United States wouldn’t provide villa with weapons. Villa strikes Columbus due to the fact that the U.S. had been supporting Carranza Provisional governor of Chihuahua 1913-1914 1914 formed constitutionalists division north 1914 villa and Carranza split and became enemies Zacatecas (government hold) battle Villa won battle 7000 dead 5000 wounded captured June 1914 Huerta regime broke fled exile Villa and Zapata broke with Carranza (dictator) become Villa and Zapata capital captured Convention of Aguascalientes Carranza departed for Vera Cruz. 1915 villa had to leave Mexico City Carranza got stronger Villa and Zapata revolted Obregon was sent by Carranza to battle villa March 9 1916 villa attacked Columbus New Mexico. President Wilson sent john j. Pershing to catch villa Chased but never caught After Celaya Carranza forgot about villa Lost influence and had more things on his mind to worry about Villa one last fight Ciudad Juarez 1919 assassinated in 1923 Chihuahua killers anonymous May 20 1920 Carranza assassinated by Adolfo de la Huerta became president of Mexico peace agreement between villa retired haciendas in Chihuahua retired to settlement in el Canutillo retired revolution 1920 July 20, 1923 assassinated by Benito Juarez and Gabion Barreda in Maturana 9 bullets Pancho Villa Emilliano Zapata Salazar www.revolutions.trumen.edu/mexico/zapata.asp http://www.absoluteastronomy.com/topics/Mexican_Revolution came in conflict with law rebel 1897 fled Morelos avoid arrest protest for local liberties concern for rights 1909 became president of village counsel March 1911 formed guerilla band Zapatistas – member of Zapata’s army (peasants) from the town of Morelos Health care, reconstruct towns, post system Women were included and even fought by the men captured Cuautla Morelos strong hold for Diaz easy to take Diaz out of the picture at odds with Madero over Madero's policies democracy method ignoring land reforms Madero refused to disarm forces Aug. 1911 Huerta against him Zapata retreated to mountains Very important to Zapata was Otilio Montano Before rev professor, during helped write the plan de Ayala with Zapata (November 25, 1911) link goals of local peasants return land of haciendas stole Huerta tried to reconcile with Zapata no trust Zapata Zapata conquered Morelos and neighboring states by summer 1914 Forced to flee exiled Huerta Zapata and Carranza and villa meet Carranza land owner (haciendas) like Madero cant be trusted Zapata and villa joined together December 6, 1914 Entered Mexico City Controlled by Zapatistas since November Returned to Morelos end December (land return policies enacted) August 1915 leave Mexico City Other allies to go against Carranza Major leaders left Montano fought against Zapata in may 1917 Ordered death of Montano threat to all traders One last alliance attempt Jesus Guajardo Met and was shot dead by Jesus and his troops April 10, 1919 at Chinameco Alvaro Obregon History Book __ http://www.raleightavern.org/mexicanrevolution.htm  __ __ http://historicaltextarchive.com/sections.php?op=viewarticle&artid=574 __ successful farmer and business man. He married in 1902, but his wife died in 1907, joined forces with Madero and defeated Orozco joined Venustiano Carranza take up arms against [|Victoriano Huerta] command of the Constitutionalist Army of the Northwest pulled apart once Carranza became president Carranza was so bad at military training that most of the army left to follow Obergon removal of Carranza from office Obregon had more people on his side that believed in his cause Obregon under Carranza army Sorona Named commander of army of New Mexico Aug. 15, entered Mexico City occupied Jan 1915 again Mexico City occupied Against Pancho Villa with help from Carranza Occupied after Villa (Jan. 19) Conquered railroad Barbwire trenches Challenged Carranza with Plan of Agua Prieta April 23 1920 1920 peace rev speculated to have ended some claim president of Mexico from 1920-24. Actually used Constitution of 1917 land reform and labor rights Jose Vasconcelos as Minister of Public Instruction Universal education and literacy left in 1923 Socialist link) labor is tightly controlled under CROM (define and explain)   now that he was president he had to: political environment, and an economic environment that would work and help the citizens of Mexico     strong national government needed to be implemented, needed strong military army or stable government reform     Established a good relationship with the U.S.    their is a rift between the pueblos and owners of the haciendas  so Obregon distributes the land to pueblos  in a country where ¾ of the population is farmers and have to use ½ of the land and ½ the land doesn’t have water. On top of not having water less than 5% owned 90% of the land. So how is anyone going to make a living on unproductive land. Obregon saw this and stopped the land distribution. There is an article in the constitution link that says all the lands are property of the nation, Obregon failed to enforce this law. Started a national bank for farmers/peasants for easy credit so they could by machinery seed and fertilizer. Counter intuitive because haciendas took over banks. culture as to bring Mexico back together leader of program was Jose Vasconcelos secretary of education Education reform only good thing that has carried on through the years since the revolution Education was the most important thing to Obregon. So his secretary of education Jose set up Indians program to intertwine the rich culture of the indigenous people and modern Mexico. Teachers training was introduced to rural villages this threatened the churches due to the fact that the church had been teaching children. Even though Obregon wanted Mexican children to be educated if they couldn’t make is to school a substitute teacher, a priest, could be just as good. Obregon did not enforce article 3 links of separation of church and state. December 1923 Adolfo de la Huerta rebelled against Obregon The revolt failed Obregon had control over the army or at least more then Huerta Oregon had chosen Calles to succeed him for the 1924-28 presidential terms Obregón won and executed all of his potential political rivals 1927-28, Obregón began his second presidential campaign Obregón was again chosen president, but before taking office he was assassinated by a fanatical Roman Catholic. done with office one term successor? –answer Plutarco Elias Calles Nov, 30 1924 Obregon picked Elias Calles to be pres. Mex. Obregon foreign regulations on resource extraction. Obregon was assassinated July 1928 in Cristero. Obregon and Calles were supposed to have 6 year terms and switch off but after Obregon's assassination that plan wasn't possible.

Sources Creed, McLaughlin, Miller, and Vince Struble. “Francisco Madero”. 11 Sept 2008. < http://revolutions.truman.edu/mexico/fmadero.asp > Stoops, Rosa Maria. “Madero, Francisco I”. 11 Sept 2008.  Creed, McLaughlin, Miller, and Vince Struble. “Victoriano Huerta”. 13 Sept 2008. < http://revolutions.truman.edu/mexico/vhuerta.asp > Minister, Christopher. “Biography of Victoriano Huerta”. New York Times Company. 13 Sept 2008. < http://latinamericanhistory.about.com/od/presidentsofmexico/a/vhuerta.htm > Creed, McLaughlin, Miller, and Vince Struble. “Venustiano Carranza” 14 Sept. 2008. < http://revolutions.truman.edu/mexico/vcarranza.asp > Layfield, Amanda. “Carranza, Venustiano” 14 Sept 2008. < http://historicaltextarchive.com/sections.php?op=viewarticle&artid=535 > Williamson, Edwin. “ Mexico : Revolution and Stability” 14 Sept 2008 . < https://vle.oakham.rutland.sch.uk/mod/resource/view.php?id=1163 Keen, Benjamin, and Keith Haynes. //A History of// // Latin America //. New York : Houghton Mifflin Company, 2004. 