Blog Post 2
The Constitutionalists’ victory over the Conventionists can be attributed to several key factors. Firstly, the Constitutionalists had superior military strategy and better leadership, particularly under Venustiano Carranza. Carranza’s ability to unify various factions under a single banner, despite underlying tensions, provided a more cohesive force compared to the fragmented Conventionists. Additionally, the Constitutionalists controlled more resources, including access to better weaponry and supplies, which gave them a significant advantage on the battlefield. Their strategic use of railroads for troop movements and logistics also contributed to their success.
Despite their victory, factionalism continued to plague the Constitutionalist coalition during and after the negotiations leading to the Constitution of 1917. The coalition was an uneasy alliance of diverse groups with differing agendas, including land reformers, labor activists, and middle-class liberals. This diversity led to internal conflicts and power struggles. The most notable rift was between Carranza and Alvaro Obregón, a key military leader who had his own vision for Mexico’s future. While Carranza aimed for a more conservative approach, Obregón and others pushed for more radical social and economic reforms. These internal divisions often threatened the stability of the government and made consensus difficult to achieve.
Alvaro Obregón was able to consolidate power in the early 1920s through a combination of military strength, political acumen, and pragmatic reforms. He built a broad base of support by addressing the demands of various social groups, including land reforms to appease the agrarian sector and labor policies that favored workers. Obregón’s ability to forge alliances with key regional leaders and military figures also helped solidify his position. He was adept at balancing the interests of different factions within the revolutionary coalition, ensuring that no single group became too powerful.
Obregón faced several major issues in his quest to consolidate power. He had to overcome resistance from former allies who were dissatisfied with the pace or direction of reforms. Additionally, there were constant threats of rebellion from various factions, including former Carrancistas and other revolutionary leaders who felt marginalized. Obregón also had to navigate the complex relationship with the United States, which was wary of Mexico’s revolutionary changes but crucial for economic stability.
The question of whether the Revolution had come to a close with Obregón’s administration is debatable. On one hand, Obregón’s presidency marked a period of relative stability and the institutionalization of many revolutionary ideals through reforms and the new constitution. His administration laid the groundwork for subsequent governments and helped transition Mexico from a period of intense conflict to a more structured political system.
On the other hand, many of the Revolution’s goals, such as significant land redistribution and social justice, were only partially achieved. The underlying social and economic inequalities persisted, and various revolutionary leaders continued to vie for power, leading to further conflicts. The Cristero War (1926–1929), a major uprising against the government’s anticlerical policies, is an example of the ongoing strife that indicated the Revolution’s promises were not fully realized.
Thus, while Obregón’s administration marked a significant turning point, it did not signify the end of the revolutionary era. The struggle to fully implement and realize the Revolution’s ideals continued, shaping Mexico’s political and social landscape for decades to come.
