2008 Woodie Awards
Bilingual Column: The Mexican Revolution
Jillian Pfeil
Issue date: 11/1/07 Section: News
- Page 1 of 1
The Mexican Revolution is an important part of the history of our neighboring country, Mexico. One of the reasons why this revolutionary process began was because the Mexicans were upset with the unfair distribution of wealth and lands around the year 1910. Likewise, the political situation was complicated, given that the government at that time was in the hands of Porfirio Diaz, who was a dictator.
The people were discontent about the lack of justice and the unreasonable distribution of wealth. Porfirio Diaz had lost the respect of many Mexicans due to his doing favors for foreign investors who benefited from the sale of lands. It is said that Diaz sold 50 million dollars worth of uncultivated lands to people of the United States, Great Britain, France, Holland, and Spain. This caused a lot of tension in the country and encouraged the democratic aspirations of the leader Francisco Maderos.
Maderos, who firmly believed in democracy, was one of the brave men that fought for political change in Mexico at the beginning of the 20th century. Maderos became a much respected man; whereas Diaz only plummeted into disgrace. Maderos and other reformists created the anti-reeleccionista party; Diaz threatened many of these activists. He even sent Maderos to jail in San Luis of Potosi right before the elections of 1910.
While he was imprisoned, Maderos heard of the re-election of Diaz, for which, in October of 1910, he escaped the prison and then crossed the border toward the United States of America, with the idea of settling down in San Antonio, Texas. There he published the "Plan of San Luis," which was a manifesto that declared that the elections had been a fraud and that - together with the other members of the Anti-re-electionist National Party - they would not recognize Profirio Diaz a legitimate president of the Republic. Maderos then claimed himself as interim president until the following elections.
The new leader promised to return every piece of land that was confiscated. The uprising orchestrated by Maderos on November 20, 1910 marked the beginning of the Mexican Revolution, during which he was supported by leaders such as Pascual Orozco. They signed an alligance against the north abusive owners.
Finally, after many battles, Diaz was obliged to renounce his presidency. He then fled to France. This led to the election of a new president and, of course, Maderos was voted as the new leader.
Due to the fact that their uprising lead to the advancements of the revolution, Mexicans commemorate this historic event with a national day of celebration on November 20th.
There are many events that take place on this day, such as a parade along the streets, and other special events to remember the heroes that helped forge this revolution that led to the triumph of their democracy.
After this brief summary, hopefully insight of this important Mexican date was gained. And speaking of dates, the day of the independence of Mexico from Spain is September 16, and not May 5h, as many people believe. On May 5, 1862 the Battle of Puebla took place, in which the Mexicans succeeded against the occupation of the French.
The people were discontent about the lack of justice and the unreasonable distribution of wealth. Porfirio Diaz had lost the respect of many Mexicans due to his doing favors for foreign investors who benefited from the sale of lands. It is said that Diaz sold 50 million dollars worth of uncultivated lands to people of the United States, Great Britain, France, Holland, and Spain. This caused a lot of tension in the country and encouraged the democratic aspirations of the leader Francisco Maderos.
Maderos, who firmly believed in democracy, was one of the brave men that fought for political change in Mexico at the beginning of the 20th century. Maderos became a much respected man; whereas Diaz only plummeted into disgrace. Maderos and other reformists created the anti-reeleccionista party; Diaz threatened many of these activists. He even sent Maderos to jail in San Luis of Potosi right before the elections of 1910.
While he was imprisoned, Maderos heard of the re-election of Diaz, for which, in October of 1910, he escaped the prison and then crossed the border toward the United States of America, with the idea of settling down in San Antonio, Texas. There he published the "Plan of San Luis," which was a manifesto that declared that the elections had been a fraud and that - together with the other members of the Anti-re-electionist National Party - they would not recognize Profirio Diaz a legitimate president of the Republic. Maderos then claimed himself as interim president until the following elections.
The new leader promised to return every piece of land that was confiscated. The uprising orchestrated by Maderos on November 20, 1910 marked the beginning of the Mexican Revolution, during which he was supported by leaders such as Pascual Orozco. They signed an alligance against the north abusive owners.
Finally, after many battles, Diaz was obliged to renounce his presidency. He then fled to France. This led to the election of a new president and, of course, Maderos was voted as the new leader.
Due to the fact that their uprising lead to the advancements of the revolution, Mexicans commemorate this historic event with a national day of celebration on November 20th.
There are many events that take place on this day, such as a parade along the streets, and other special events to remember the heroes that helped forge this revolution that led to the triumph of their democracy.
After this brief summary, hopefully insight of this important Mexican date was gained. And speaking of dates, the day of the independence of Mexico from Spain is September 16, and not May 5h, as many people believe. On May 5, 1862 the Battle of Puebla took place, in which the Mexicans succeeded against the occupation of the French.