The Impact and political outcomes of the Zapatista Guerrilla movement in Mexico

The Zapatistas are a group of Mexicans who support improved rights and living conditions for Mexico’s indigenous people. The group is named after Emiliano Zapata, who lived in the early 20 th century and fought for the rights of the native people

What is a Guerilla Movement or Warfare? The word guerilla is Spanish for “little war” Guerilla movements use small groups of non- government soldiers who use tactics like ambush, sabotage, spies, and deception to fight a larger government force.

On Jan 1, 1994 the North American Free Trade agreement was signed and taken into effect. This agreement allowed for free trade between the U.S., Canada and Mexico

Some people in Mexico did not like this plan because they felt that cheaper farm goods from the United States would hurt the Mexican farmers profits.

On January 1 st 1994, the day NAFTA took effect, a group of Mexicans called the Zapatistas took over several towns in their part of Mexico. The Mexican government sent in the army to put down the rebels. The fighting lasted for several weeks

Eventually a cease fire was created but the Zapatistas did not go away. Agreements between the Zapatistas and the government have not solved the problems.

The Zapatistas still have control of some parts of southern Mexico. Several political reforms were put in place to improve the lives of Native Americans: better housing, education, land division, and representation in the legislature. But the Zapatistas still argue and fight for better healthcare for the people, housing, education, and jobs

Key Vocabulary Words you need to use: Indigenous NAFTA (North American Free Trade Agreement) Emiliano Zapata Chiapas Guerilla warfare

Zapatista Interview Okay, you will be conducting an interview with your partner. One of you will pretend to be in the Zapatista Army The other person will ask the following questions: Record the other person’s answers on the back of your graphic organizer

What is your name? Where did your movement start? How old are you? Why are you so angry about NAFTA? What is your favorite hobby? Why do you call yourselves the “Zapatista Army”? Which works better, violence or non- violence? Why? What do you want to be when you grow up? Will it be difficult to get this job where you live? Why or Why not? What does your movement believe? Do you think your movement will be successful?