Mexican History: Cardenas's Administration

Adolfo López Mateos Presidency (1958-1964)

• López Mateos won the presidency in 1958 with a high percentage of the vote (around 90%), likely due to a strong campaign and support
• He was a younger, more dynamic leader compared to his predecessor, creating a contrast in style
• He had a reputation for managing labor disputes, and was seen as a liberal
• He indicated plans to push for social reforms, which resonated with many young Mexicans
• He emphasized a focus on the constitution, not necessarily following the strictest leftist ideology
• His administration took a firm stance against leftists, leading to the imprisonment of individuals deemed threatening
• This era saw significant land redistribution efforts, compared to previous, more business-oriented policies

Economic Policies

• The government expanded its intervention in the economy, taking controlling shares in some industries
• Notable examples included seizing control of U.S. and Canadian companies, demonstrating a more assertive nationalistic emphasis on electricity and film production
• The government's emphasis on economic reforms affected how the country prioritized growth, with an eye to social development in many areas.

Social and Educational Policies

• The administration created many housing projects for lower-income individuals, addressing the housing issue and growing population during a substantial urban shift
• The country's programs for education and public health initiatives expanded, reflecting a wider push for social welfare programs
• Attempts to reduce illiteracy by fostering programs like a dedicated push for free, compulsory texts for education in Mexico
• These efforts reflected a significant step toward greater social welfare programs, however the administration had a difficult time keeping up with a rapid population growth

Foreign Policy

• The foreign policy of López Mateos emphasized national sovereignty and nonintervention
• He maintained diplomatic relations with Cuba during the Cold War era, despite the U.S.'s efforts to isolate the island nation.
• The government worked to promote Mexican leadership and international collaboration through participation in various diplomatic forums.
• Resolution of long-standing boundary disputes with the U.S. was a significant diplomatic achievement, and helped to strengthen Mexico's international standing while maintaining a non-aligned approach

Growing Opposition to the PRI

• Despite the perceived success of the Mateos' presidency (as indicated by official data), opposition to PRI's dominance was growing behind the scenes
• There was a palpable tension and growing disquiet among segments of the population, most notably students and certain groups within the labor unions, who were pushing for further democratization and social reforms
• The political tensions heightened prior to the 1968 Olympics. This political movement toward more democratization would reach a crucial moment of escalation later, during the 1968 Olympics.