Blog Post 1
How did the Revolution as envisioned by Francisco I. Madero and his middle-class supporters differ from the goals that lower-class participants (campesinos, laborers, etc.) had in mind? How and why did those diverging goals create problems for Madero once he had been elected president of Mexico?
The middle class and the lower class had similar but yet different goals of how they wanted things to run in Mexico. There were economic, social, and election problems that were going on at the time. President Diaz reigns using bullying and intimidation upon the citizens. Many of the people at the time under his reign could not own land unless they had a title to their name.
Madero wanted to make changes to that while President Diaz wanted to keep things the same to remain in power. During this time Madero went to Diaz with a proposition to become his vice president. This ended badly for Madero due to Diaz sending him to prison.
Madero later escaped prison and headed to Texas where he can meet with relatives and political supporters to discuss the revolution. (Gonzales, pg. 73). They had discussions about the social and economic concerns that affected the peasants, workers, and nationalists. They also wanted to do something about elections and have a plan of no-reelection, so no one took advantage of power again. “Many individuals lost their land through the illegal application of the public laws, Madero promised, would have their property reinstated.” (Gonzales, pg.74)
Madero wanted political stability and effective administration. He wanted to add to it instead of just getting rid of it. “Madero insisted that land disputes should be settled within the course, rather than through forced redistribution, disappointed land-hungry peasants who demanded immediate redress and unsettled the revolutionary coalition.” (Gonzales, pg. 74)
Madero was responsible for removing Diaz from power. “Once in power, Madero’s failure to carry out comprehensive reforms and to sever ties with the Porfirian establishment cost him the support of grassroots revolutionaries.” (Gonzales, pg. 91) He was a weaker leader and failed to apply the land reforms he had promised. Later he was replaced by General Victoriano Huerta who won the presidential seat and requested Madero’s execution.
By your estimation, why was this early period of revolution and counterrevolution significant?
During this early period of revolution and counterrevolution, it became a significant part of Mexico. There was hope to institute democratic reforms and create a peace treaty within the nation.
Wasserman, M. (2012). The Mexican Revolution A Brief History with Documents. Bedford/St. Martin’s.
