MEXICO Historical Development of Mexican Political Culture.
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Transcript of MEXICO Historical Development of Mexican Political Culture.
Important Themes to the Development of Mexican Political Culture
(1) Geography & Demographics(2) Impact of Colonialism(3) Mexican Independence(4) The Porfiriato(5) Revolution of 1910(6) The Cardenas Upheaval(7) Techicos
Geography & Demographics Regionalism – large mountain ranges and vast
deserts separate Mexico into regions – a major characteristic of the political system
Geography & Demographics Mexico has an
abundance of oil, silver, and other natural resources
History of mismanagement and foreign exploitation has prevented the Mexican people from benefiting.
Geography & Demographics Mexico shares a 2,000-mile-long border with
the U.S. leading to Contacts, Conflicts, Migration, and Dependency Issues.
Geography & Demographics Population Levels
111 million Mexicans (11th largest nation)
Most populous Spanish-speaking country in the world
Population growth has slowed significantly (+1.1%), but still growing
Geography & Demographics Mexico has urbanized
rapidly 77% of the population
lives in cities Mexico City (18 million
people) one of the largest cities in the world
Urban Skyline of Mexico’s capital - Mexico City
Historical Trends and Traditions in Mexico’s Political Past
(1) Authoritarianism(2) Populism(3) Power plays/divisions within elite(4) Instability and legitimacy issues
Historical Development of Mexican Political Culture
(1) Colonialism Mexico was a colony of Spain from
1521-1810 Spanish brought Roman Catholicism
to Mexico 60% of Mexicans are Mestizo – a
ethnic blend of Spanish and Amerindian
Began economic dependency
Spanish Conquistador Hernan
Cortes conquered Mexico
Historical Development of Mexican Political Culture
(2) Mexican Independence Mexican priest Miguel Hidalgo led a
popular rebellion against the Spanish Mexican Independence Day 09/16/1810
Independent Mexico struggled with instability and legitimacy issues
Instability gave rise of the military as a political force
U.S. dominates Mexico Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo (1848) –
gave U.S. Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, California, Utah and part of Colorado
Father Miguel Hidalgo led the war for Mexican Independence
Historical Development of Mexican Political Culture
(3) The Porfiriato Gen. Porfirio Diaz staged a
military coup (1876), became President and ruled Mexico with an iron hand for 34 years. Brought stability & authoritarianism Foreign investment (US) brought
economic growth Only for some – gap between rich
and poor widens
Gen. Diaz, President of Mexico (1876-1911)
Historical Development of Mexican Political Culture
(4) Mexican Revolution of 1910 Reformers sought to end Diaz dictatorship Constitution of 1917 – set up a democratic
government, w/3 branches and competitive elections
Caudillos – political/military strongmen from different regions of Mexico fought for power Ex.) Pancho Villa
Patron-Clientelism - a system in which the state provides specific benefits or favors to a single person or small group in return for public support
Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI) – “institutionalized” the revolution by establishing a large umbrella political party that would share the power among Caudillos
Revolution leader Pacho Villa
Historical Development of Mexican Political Culture
(5) Cardenas Upheaval Lazaro Cardenas – charismatic
leader who spoke for the poor brought major change Nationalized industry
PEMEX – giant government-controlled oil company
Import Substitution Industrialization Redistributed land Invested in public works Concentrated power in the presidency
Lazaro Cardenas (1934-1940) considered to be Mexico’s
Roosevelt
Historical Development of Mexican Political Culture
(6) Tecnicos 1950s Mexico welcomed foreign
investment again “Mexican Miracle” – based largely
on huge supplies of natural resources, Mexico’s economy boomed
Tecnicos – educated, business-oriented leaders in government and PRI. Neoliberalism – supported free
markets, balanced budgets, privatization, free trade, and limited government in economy.