Between the Consequences of the Mexican Revolution Most notable are the promulgation of a new constitution, the restoration of certain labor rights, new agrarian policies, the recovery of freedom of worship or the nationalization of oil.
The revolution began on November 20, 1910, 34 years after General Porfirio Díaz succeeded, after two attempts, to become president and impose his model of government popularly known as' Porfiriato '.
Although during this period the increase Of the economy was evident, this did not translate into the welfare of the total population and only a privileged few enjoyed a good quality of life.
The country developed at a tremendous price: the Indians and peasants lost their land because they were forced to sell them to make them productive.
The new situation generated in the population states of dissatisfaction that had in response the repression and the intimidation.
In 1910, the Mexican people hoped to defeat the Porfiriato in the polls, but this one under repression, manipulated the electoral process and made to a new presidential period.
This was undoubtedly the fact, which gave rise to the Crisis of porfiriato And later to the Mexican revolution with the struggle of various groups, politicians and others armed.
Social, economic and political consequences of the Mexican Revolution
1- Overthrow of dictatorship
The Mexican Revolution succeeded in overthrowing dictator Porfirio Díaz and ending the privileges created for his family circle and friends.
With the fall of the regime, the democracy And it was possible to create new rules framed in a state of law, with full respect for the three public powers.
But despite the advances at the political level, it was impossible to prevent political chaos following the revolution as a result of the interests of various rebel groups.
2- Promulgation of a new constitution
During two months, in the city of Querétaro a new constitution was written that granted individual rights to all the Mexicans. A
The universal and direct vote was created, slavery was banned, secular education was established for official and private schools and the creation of a Congress with two chambers, one of senators and one of deputies, was also allowed.
3- Restoration of labor rights
Thanks to the Mexican revolution, freedom of work was enshrined and a system of labor protection was implemented for workers, guaranteeing maximum eight hours a day of work, one day of rest per week and vacations.
In addition, standards were approved to guarantee decent conditions in terms of remuneration and quality of life.
Freedom of worship
The new reforms allowed Mexicans to live freely their beliefs and cults.
The power of the Catholic religion was limited, prohibiting religious vows and the establishment of religious orders.
The cults were free but could only be done inside the temples or private houses.
Freedom of expression was decreed, cultural power was democratized, leaving the patrimony of"the scientists"who supported the Porfiriato.
5 - A law of agrarian reform was created
By the year 1910, Mexican lands were concentrated in only 5% of the population; In the year 1912 some revolutionary military leaders made the first lands distributions.
Three years later, the three most important revolutionary forces, constitutionalism, Villismo and Zapatismo, promulgated the agrarian laws.
With the reform it was possible to return the land to the peasants and Indians who had been expropriated their property.
In addition, over the years, attempts have been made to guarantee rural development programs focused on small and medium-sized producers, thus reducing privileges to large Landowners .
Between the years 1911 and 1992 it is estimated that 100 million hectares were delivered to peasants and indigenous people.
6- Expansion of education
The state education system was oriented to exalt the universal civic and democratic values of man, to promote knowledge, defense and respect for human rights.
It also promoted the promotion of productive work for a harmonious social coexistence, as well as seeking the development of science, technology and innovation.
The autonomy of the public university was recognized and incentives were granted to higher education. It was also achieved that basic education was secular and free of charge with quality services and universal access.
7- Nationalization of oil
All oil exploration and exploitation companies were accountable to the government that encouraged the restitution of the subsoil wealth to the nation ceded to the owners during Porfirio Díaz's term.
The Constituent Congress established the difference between the ownership of the soil and the subsoil, noting that the former could be private property, but the subsoil and its wealth belonged to the direct, inalienable and imprescriptible domain of the nation, which could have concessionaires for its Exploitation and exploitation.
8- Expropriation of railways
The revolution left in ruins the railroad networks creating the favorable context to create in 1937 the National Railroad Company of Mexico, merging different capitals, mostly foreign, like International Railroad, Interoceanic, Pan American and Veracruz.
9- Displacement of the population
The closure of many private companies reduced the employment rate and for this reason hundreds of Mexicans had to move to other areas, mainly to Michoacán and Jalisco.
By 1930, the effects of the Great Depression on the world and the reduced incentives to private initiatives generated a strong economic crisis that the state could not control despite the nationalization of various products and services.
10- Devaluation of the currency
In 1916 a new currency was issued that was in circulation only a few months.
The closure of companies produced a reduction of exports and for the country it was impossible to obtain an external credit. These were some causes of an accelerated devaluation of the currency.
References
- Meyer J. Haciendas and ranchos, peones and peasants in the Porfiriato. Some statistical fallacies. Mexican History. Vol. 35, No. 3 (Jan.-Mar., 1986), pp. 477-509.
- Brenner, A. et al. (1984). The Wind that Swept Mexico: The History of the Mexican Revolution of 1910-1942. University of Texas Press.
- Abat Ninet A. Centennial of the Constitution of Querétaro. Revolution and Constitution, original and suggestive aspects from the perspective of comparative constitutional law. Constitutional Issues, Mexican Journal of Constitutional Law, 2017, Vol 36.
- Fox J. How does civil society thicken? The political construction of social capital in rural Mexico. Volume 24, June 1996, Pages 1089-1103. University of California, Santa Cruz, U.S.A.
- Koppes C. The Good Neighbor Policy and the Nationalization of Mexican Oil: A Reinterpretation. The Journal of American History. Vol. 69, No. 1 (Jun., 1982), pp. 62-81.