Mexican Revolution
Mexican Revolution (1910–40) Extended political revolution that improved the welfare of the Mexican underpriviliged. The dictatorial, elitist presidency of Porfirio Díaz prompted the Mexican Revolution. Díaz, who had agreed not to stand for re-election following the threat of armed revolt by Francisco Madero, reneged on his agreement and was re-elected in 1910. In 1911, he was forced to resign by Madero, who was subsequently elected. Madero intended to make land-ownership more egalitarian, to strengthen labour organizations, and to lessen the influence of the Catholic Church. In 1913, he was assassinated by his former general Victoriano Huerta. The repressive regime of Huerta caused massive unrest in the peasant community, who found leaders in Venustiano Carranza, Francisco ‘Pancho’ Villa, and Emiliano Zapata. Huerta resigned and Carranza became president (1914). Although some agrarian, educational and political reforms continued, it was Lázaro Cárdenas (1934–40) who finally began the process of land distribution, support of the labour movement, and improvements in health and education.
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Mexican Revolution
