How Did The American Revolution Affect The Economy Of Mexico

1263 Words6 Pages

The Mexican Revolution was one of many battles and blood and seized the lives of around 3 million people, mostly combatants. This revolution, however, also ended the dictatorship of Porfirio Diaz and restored the rights of farm workers and citizens. Mexicans from all classes were completely dissatisfied with Diaz’s rule, who concentrated power and wealth to a select few, leaving the lower and working-class with no power to express themselves. Citizens decided to be the change that they wanted to see and risked many things, including their lives. Emiliano Zapata and Francisco “Pancho” Villa are the main revolutionaries remembered. These figures took on the responsibility that came with the title of leading the revolution. The main goal of the …show more content…

“The labor force declined sharply, with the economically active share of the population falling from 35 percent in 1910 to 31 percent in 1930. Between 1910 and 1921, the population suffered an overall net decline of 360,000 people”(Growth and Structure of the Economy). Therefore, the revolution severely disrupted the economy, and erased many of the gains achieved during the Porfiriato, the era that Mexico was under the rule of Porfirio Diaz. Even though the majority of the population disliked Diaz, his tactics worked for the economy, but as a result of his absence, there was a fall in the overall working population. Another effect was, “The livestock supply was severely depleted, as thousands of cattle were lost to the depredations of rival militias. Cotton, coffee, and sugarcane went unharvested as workers abandoned the fields either to join or flee the fighting” (Growth and Structure of the Economy). As a result of the decreasing livestock and resources, there was a large drop in agricultural output which not only put many people out of jobs but also severely hurt Mexico’s economy and put them in major …show more content…

“The principal values of the PRI were: Economic development, social justice, equitable land distribution, protection of workers' rights, free education for all, civil control and discipline of the armed forces, continued widening of political freedoms, and sovereignty of the country.” (Gonzales). These values were very similar to those of the constitution and achieved many of the same goals as the constitution. When implemented, they not only improved the standard of living but also corrected many of the flaws that revolutions were fighting for during the revolution. “After the revolution, the Mexican government (led by the PRI) went from policies of fair distribution of land and resources to policies of economic growth. Thanks to these policies and a good relationship with the United States, between 1930 and 1960, Mexico enjoyed stability and growth. This period was known as the Mexican Miracle” (The Mexican Revolution Explained in 10 Minutes). Therefore, the PRI not only gave Mexican citizens more rights but also greatly improved the economy which was overall a major benefit for Mexico as a whole. Mexico became modernized and one of the economic powers of the continent. This eventually led to a growth in population and a better overall