MEXICO IN THE 20TH CENTURY: HISTORICAL FACTS AND CHANGES - HISTORY - 2024

The history of Mexico in the twentieth century was characterized by political changes, in a country that, after years of attempts, finally fully entered modernity, something that was reflected in the economic proposals and attempts at stability.

Scholars affirm that the 20th century began in Mexico with the revolution of 1910, which marked the political, economic and social development of the country. Although unlike in the past, for the first time it was possible to live with relative peace in the country.

Rebels during the Mexican Revolution of 1910. Source: Source: US Library of Congress - Prints & Photographs Online Catalog, via Wikimedia Commons.

The Mexican Revolution had a social background that differentiated it from the rebel movements of the past. The Revolution demanded effective suffrage without reelection. On the other hand, the 20th century came to an end with the repression of the student movements.

The 20th century began with a population close to 14 million and closed with more than 100 million inhabitants.

Historical facts

The Mexican Revolution is the one that begins the 20th century in Mexico. It happened in 1910 and came to an end with the 1917 constitution, but the stability of the country took longer to develop. The rebellion began as a measure to end the dictatorship of Porfirio Díaz.

Over the years there were some events that affected the economy, such as the oil expropriation in 1936 or the nationalization of the banks in 1982. In addition, in 1994 there was an economic crisis due to the lack of international reserves, which caused that the Mexican peso was devalued.

At the social level there were great advances. Women voted for the first time in 1955 and they did so to elect deputies, although by 1953 the right to vote had been recognized for the female population in Mexico.

Several bloody events also happened. In 1968 the Tlatelolco massacre occurred, where the police attacked students. The number of deaths and injuries from the shooting was never determined.

In 1994, attention turned to the Zapatista movement and the assassination of Luis Donaldo Colosio.

The Zapatistas rebelled in protest at the conditions of the indigenous people, who lived in extreme poverty. Meanwhile, Colosio was a candidate for the Presidency who was assassinated during a rally. Mario Aburto Martínez was found guilty of the act, and the case was closed in 2000.

Nature was also present during the 20th century in Mexico. An earthquake occurred in 1985 that killed more than four thousand people according to estimates. The lack of action and of protocols for events of this type caused days of great chaos in the country.

Social changes

The creation of social assistance programs played a major role in the Mexican 20th century. The term "marginalized" began to be used to refer to certain sectors of the population, and different actions were carried out to integrate indigenous communities into society.

Migratory movements began to gain importance. It is estimated that in the 1990s there was the strongest emigration of Mexicans to the United States. Within Mexico there was also migration, especially from the countryside to the big cities.

The role of women during the 20th century in Mexico also changed. They began to have a more leading role in the public and political life of the country.

Economic, political and cultural changes

Politics

At the political level, Mexico achieved some stability in the 1930s. A new party appeared with the founding in 1929 of the PNR (National Revolutionary Party), which is now known as the PRI. It was the ruling party that capitalized power for more than 70 years.

In 1977, politics in the country changed with the López Portillo Reform, which proposed constitutional changes in reference to political parties and elections. Finally, to give more confidence to the system, in 1989 the Federal Electoral Institute (IFE) was created, which was in charge, until 2014, of organizing federal elections in Mexico.

All these changes were followed by three reforms in 1993, 1994 and 1996.

Economy

The Mexican economy during the 20th century is divided into different stages. The first stage began in 1910, when Mexico went from being a traditional society, where agrarian activity predominated, to being a society with urban characteristics and based on the industrial sector.

From the 1940s to the 1960s, Mexico experienced significant growth in its economy. By the end of World War II, raw materials began to be exported, and natural resources allowed the manufacture of products to be cheaper to carry out in Mexico than in other nations.

Oil fields appeared in the southern part of Mexico that helped to bring about strong economic growth.

Likewise, there were moments of crisis. The government subsidized businesses, increased wages, and spent more than it owned. All this, together with the fall in oil prices, caused a strong devaluation.

To cope with this new crisis, Mexico lived a time when populist concepts were present with the privatization of companies to curb inflation.

Culture

During the early years of the 20th century, French culture was very present. Some movements of pre-Hispanic art reappeared; and the development of science and technology was important throughout this period, which was particularly noted in the media and transportation.

The architects of the time resorted to elements such as glass, steel and concrete for their works, using new techniques. Muralism was a very important movement, especially during the first half of the Mexican 20th century.

Bilingual and intercultural programs were established in the late 20th century, and English became the second most widely spoken language in the country.

References

1. Armendáriz, E., & Anaya, O. (1999). National Events. Mexico 20th century. Recovered from file.eluniversal.com.mx
2. Mexican Art of the 20th Century. Recovered from programs.cuaed.unam.mx
3. Reyes, A., & Gonzalbo, P. (2006). History of daily life in Mexico. Mexico, DF: The College of Mexico.
4. 20th century Mexican political system. Recovered from infogram.com
5. Villalobos, E. Mexico XX-XXI centuries. Recovered from access.ku.edu