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.