From Empire through Independence Forging Colonies and Independent States in the New World, Simon Bolivar

Spanish Empire Incorporated indigenous people into a European- dominated political and economic system. Exploitation of indigenous people Mestizaje Spanish political institutions (centralization) and Catholicism shaped colonial history and political/cultural practices that came with independence. Experience of La Reconquista shaped Spain’s behavior in New World

Independence Function of poor colonial administration; the Enlightenment; and the Napoleonic Wars Simon Bolivar, Jose de San Martin, and Padre Hidalgo were leaders of independence Compared to Canada, the United States, and India, the former Spanish empire did not create governmental systems that promoted individual liberty and rights. Why?

Mexico as an Example No constitutional tradition Opposition by the Church Foreign interference Caudillo rule

Mexico, Popular discontent started revolution in 1810— conservative completed it in Aristocratic Republic created at end of revolution Overthrown by Caudillos—Santa Anna as virtual dictator from 1833 to 1855 La Reforma led by Benito Juarez failed due to internal opposition and foreign intervention Porfirio Diaz ( ; ) pursued development but impoverished his people. “Poor Mexico, so far from God; so close to the United States.” Revolution of 1910 resulted in an extremely liberal constitution (1917) which was ignored in practice.

La Revolucion Much opposition to Porfirio Diaz Liberals led by Francisco I. Madero wanted to topple Diaz to prevent more radical elements from seizing power. Madero compelled Diaz to resign following 1910 election. More radical reformers, such as Emilio Zapata, wanted true land reform. Z. abandoned Madero when reforms were not forthcoming. Z. crafted Plan de Ayala and mobilized his Ejercito Libertador del Sur. Madero was murdered by General Huerta, who seized power as Mexico’s president. Henry Lane Wilson, the U. S. ambassador, conspired in the murder fearing the Madero was too radical.

La Revolucion Woodrow Wilson attempted to oust Huerta in favor of Venustiano Carranza. Zapata attempted to get Carranza to support the Plan de Ayala. Carranza placed a bounty on Zapata’s head and Z. was assassinated by General Guajardo in Z. continues to be a symbol for reformers, especially those championing the rights of indigenous people. Pancho Villa slew gringos to invite U. S. invasion to discredit Carranza. Mexico continued to have political instability until the 1930s.

Emilio Zapata and Eufimio Zapata