Struggle in

Latin America
(8 Key Ideas)
02.09.2010
 #1
• Economy was booming because of
exports.
 #2
• Military dictators, wealthy
landowners held most of the power.
• Workers and peasants had little say.
 #3
• Mexican Revolution ushered in
Constitution of 1917 and, along with
it, the prospect for change.
 Revolution in a Snapshot
• Madero overthrows Diaz, only
to be assassinated by Huerto
• Huerto sets up own
dictatorship
• Villa, Zapata (peasants),
Carranza (rich noble),
together, defeat Huerto
• Carranza becomes
president in 1917.
 #4
• Constitution of 1917 was, at first, just
goals for land, religion, and labor
reforms
– Strengthened government power on
economy, land, resources
– Set minimum wages, workers rights
– Gave right to vote to men
– Women’s rights addressed as well
 #5
• PRI (Institutional Revolutionary Party)
was formed in 1929 and brought
stability to Mexico. PRI dominated
Mexican politics until 2000.
 #6
• World War I, Great Depression affected many
Latin American countries. Sought economic
nationalism, or home control of economy, and
stronger, authoritarian governments.
 #7
• In 1920’s, Latin American countries began
to reject European influence in their
culture. Cultural Nationalism, or pride in
one’s culture, took hold.
 #8
• Good Neighbor Policy made US less
visible in Latin American affairs
beginning in the 1930s.