Nationalism and
Revolution
Around the World
1910-1939
WORLD HISTORY CHAPTER 12 SECTION 1
Struggle in Latin America
Summary
In the early 1900’s Latin American economies bloomed,
selling natural resources
buying products from industrial nations, but most of the benefits
were controlled by a small group of creoles (descendants of
European settlers) and mestizos (descendants of Europeans and
Native American heritage).
Most of the rest of the populations, including the growing middle
class, had no control of the government, and did not share in the
growing wealth.
What was the The Mexican Revolution?

By 1910, Porfirio Diaz had ruled in Mexico for 35 years, winning election after
election.

Mexico was open to foreign investment, and the benefits were controlled
by a few at the top.

Faced with growing opposition from the poor as well as wealthy landowners
jealous of foreign investors, Diaz resigned in 1911.

Diaz was succeeded by Francisco Madero, who two years later was
assassinated by General Victoriano Huerta.

Huerta was in turn overthrown by the rebels “Pancho” Villa, Emiliano Zapata
(Peasants), and Venustiano Carranza (landowner).

Carranza betrayed his former allies, and became president in 1917.
How did Revolution Leads to Change?
Constitution of 1917

Carranza reluctantly approved a new constitution in 1917, giving the government more
control over the economy.

The government could Nationalize estates, businesses, resources;

break up large estates in land reform;

made church land a part of the state;

included a minimum wage and permitted strikes.
The PRI Controls Mexico

Carranza’s presidency did not end the fighting however, and in 1920, his government was, in
turn, overthrown.

Finally, in 1929, a government emerged in the form of the PRI, (Institutional Revolution Party)
bringing the business, military, workers and peasants together.

The PRI gave each group a bit of what it wanted, and maintained power until 2000.
Reforms Materialize

Over the next few decades, the government restored order, instituted land reforms and
How was Nationalism at Work in Latin America?
Economic Nationalism

As the effects of the Great Depression spread from America to Europe,
demand for Latin American resources dropped and prices for industrial goods
increased.

This led to the decline of Latin American economies, and led them to want to
have industries themselves so they wouldn’t have to depend on other
countries.
Political Nationalism

Poor economic times brought fears of instability, and authoritarian
governments different types arose in Latin America.

People hoped these governments would protect their interests and promote
stronger economies.
How was Nationalism at Work in Latin
America? Cont.
Cultural Nationalism
 Along with economic and political nationalism, Latin
Americans rejected many European ideas, customs,
and even art.
 People looked back at the accomplishments of their
ancestors, creating murals inspired by their heritage.
How was Nationalism at Work in
Latin America? Cont.
Good Neighbor Policy

During and after WWI, U.S. investment in Mexico and Latin America grew, as
European influence declined.

Because of this, American troops were used to protect American interests in
these countries. During the Mexican Revolution, Pancho Villa killed several
Americans, prompting a hunt for the criminal by the Army. This caused a lot of
resentment by Mexicans.

When Franklin Roosevelt became president, he instituted a new policy, the
Good Neighbor Policy, reduce the troops in foreign countries, and respect the
policies of it’s neighbors. This greatly improved relations between the U.S. and
Latin America.