Mexican History Chapter 33

Chapter 33: From Revolution to Evolution

• Miguel Alemán (1946-1952): First civilian president endorsed by the official party. His administration marked a shift from revolutionary military leaders to educated civilians (technocrats).

• Technocrats: Educated middle-class professionals with specialized skills. Many had attended the same preparatory school and university as Alemán.

• Modernization: Alemán's administration aimed to transform Mexico into a modern industrialized nation.

• Military Budget: The military's budget was reduced to less than 10% of the total for the first time in the 20th century. This was partly due to the military's new role in intelligence services. The reduction was gradual, decreasing from 70% in 1917 to 7% in 1952.

• Public Works Projects: These projects aimed to create jobs and address crucial developmental needs. Key projects included dams for flood control, increasing arable land, and providing power. The Morelos Dam, crucial for reclaiming arid land in the northwest, and the Falcon Dam in the Rio Grande Valley were important examples.

• Morelos Dam: Significantly increased arable land in the northwest by reclaiming 700,000 acres.

• Pan-American Highway: Completed as part of a wider communications network modernization effort. Improved travel between the United States and Guatemala.

• Isthmian Highway: Connected Puerto Mexico and Salina Cruz, important for trade.

• Acapulco Superhighway: Aimed to increase tourism which was a major source of foreign currency. Increased highway miles significantly from 2500 to over 10,000 between 1946 and 1952.

• Postwar Prosperity: Mexico experienced economic growth and prosperity during this period, with hundreds of small factories springing up in various cities.

• University City Expansion: Large-scale expansion of the National University of Mexico to accommodate an increasing student population. Known for its architectural and artistic features.

• US relations: Relations with the USA grew stronger during the Cold War. Alemán visited Washington D.C., and Truman visited Mexico City.

• Mexican Economy Transformation: The Mexican economy boomed. Petróleos Mexicanos (Pemex), the state-owned oil company, saw a doubling of production between 1946 and 1952 due to new pipelines, refineries, and drilling.

• Social and Economic Issues: Despite the outward improvements in infrastructure and economic growth, internal problems in relations, inequality, and social justice issues arose alongside. Mexican tax systems were regressive, causing issues with funding for education. Wages stagnated despite increased employment. Corruption was a persistent undermining issue.