MEXICOPolitical and Economic

Change

TYPE of change

Political change violent, authoritarian, and eventually more democratic

Economic change rapid with industrialization, becoming less dependent on U.S. and on oil

ERAS of CHANGE

Colonialism

Independence through Revolution (19th century)

Since revolution (20th century)

Since one-party domination (21st century)

Colonial history

Cultural heterogeneityElaborate social hierarchyMestizo: mix of Spaniard and

indigenousRemote areas still primarily Amer-

indian

CatholicismMissions, converting Indians to

ChristianityUnifying factor

Economic dependencyOn Spain

How was development in Mexico

different to colonial development

in the British Colonies?

19th centuryIndependence – “Porfiriato”

Political rights of the peasantry36 presidents in 22 years!! Instability and legitimacy issuesRise of military rule (most infamous:

Santa Ana)Domination by the U.S. after Treaty of

GuadalupeLiberals vs. Conservatives

Benito Juarez (liberal general) vs. Mexico under Maximilian (conservative monarchy 1864-1867)

How was early Mexican history different from the

U.S.?

“The Porfiriato” (1876-1911)

Came in by military coup d’êtatAccompanied by “cientificos” – to

bring scientific and economic progress to Mexico

StabilityAuthoritarianForeign investment and economic

growthGrowing gap between rich and poorEnded by elite coup d’êtat

A necessary dictatorship?

Revolutionary chaos: 1910-1934

Characterized by warlordism & popular uprising

Patron-client system “Caudillos” – military strongmen with

their followers (Zapata, Pancho Villa, etc) Constitution of 1917

Democratic system, but ineffective with assassinations

Conflict with Catholic Church Movement against Catholics leads to

Cristeros Rebellion Establishment of PRI

Under Calles, agreement of caudillos for sextenio rule

Lazaro Cardenas 1934-1940

Redistribution of land “ejido” collective land grants

Nationalization of industry - PEMEXInvestment in public works

Modernization: roads, electricity to rural areas

Encouragement of peasant and union organization Style of corporatism to represent

interests in gov’tConcentration of power

Resigned freely after his sexenio – LEGITIMACY

Could this have happened

earlier?

Técnicos and the Pendulum Theory

Pendulum Theory PRI presidents following Cardenas Swaying between SOCIALIST REFORM and

FREE MARKET DEVELOPMENT through 1970s (Modernization vs. Dependency Theory?)

“técnicos” – educated, business-oriented leaders Lead country towards MODERNIZATION NEOLIBERALISM – free markets

balanced budget privatization

free trade limited government regulation

“The mexican miracle”

A valid assessment?

1980s

OIL BUST!!

INTERNATIONAL ENERGY CRISIS!!

ECONOMIC CRISIS IN MEXICO!!

CONFLICTS BETWEEN Políticos AND Técnicos

Change since 2000

End of 60+ years of PRI rule

Conservative swing with PAN

Vicente Fox – the “new image” – oops!

The Salinas scandals

Economic diversification

PRI reform – on the rise again?

Still the“Mexican

MIRACLE”?