Mexican Revolution 20 November 1910

November 20th History, and the Mexican Revolution of 1910

         The rift between the poor and rich grew under the leadership of General Díaz, the political voice of the lower classes was also declining. Opposition of Díaz did surface, when Francisco I. Madero, educated in Europe and at the University of California, led a series of strikes throughout the country. Díaz was pressured into holding an election in 1910, in which Madero was able to gather a significant number of the votes. Although Díaz was at one time a strong supporter of the one-term limit, he seemed to have changed his mind and had Madero imprisoned, feeling that the people of México just weren't ready for democracy. Once Madero was released from prison, he continued his battle against Díaz in an attempt to have him overthrown. During this time, several other Mexican folk heroes began to emerge, including the well-known Pancho Villa in the north, and the peasant Emiliano Zapata in the south.

        Madero was elected president, but received opposition from Emiliano Zapata who didn't wish to wait for the orderly implementation of Madero's desired land reforms. In November of the same year Zapata denounced Madero as president and took the position for himself.

        It was during this time that the country broke into many different factions, and guerilla units roamed across the country destroying and burning down many large haciendas and ranchos.

         Madero escaped to Texas, calling for an insurrection on November 20 1910.  Elections were once again held and he assumed the presidency.  Porfirio Díaz retreated into exile in France where he died.  Unlike Díaz, Madero truly believed in democracy.  He also wanted to see social reforms.  Madero’s dream was to see everyone equal, with the same opportunities.  He wanted to return the land to the people.  Unfortunately, Madero knew that relief had to be won gradually while members of his cabinet wanted immediate change.  He was overthrown and Victoriano Huerta was installed as president. 

México continued its turmoil until 1920 with the passage of a new constitution.  Neither Madero nor Díaz lived to see the change.  However, the seed of democracy had been planted and change was near.

Coco, Gaby, Alex, Mario y Katarina

El respeto al derecho ajeno es la Paz