Post-World War I Effects and Mexico's Politics

Effects of World War I

• Harsh reparations imposed on Germany, including loss of overseas colonies
• Redistribution of overseas colonies at the Paris Peace Conference
• Destruction of empires (like Ottoman), birth of nation-states
• Increased independence movements in European colonies
• Rise of communism

Characteristics of Post-War Era

• Social, economic, and psychological upheaval globally
• Increased feeling of crisis and uncertainty among populations
• Growing calls for self-determination across regions

Commonalities Across Regions

• Desire for self-governance, especially in formerly colonized areas
• Embrace of cultural, economic, and political nationalism

Mexico under Porfirio Diaz

• Authoritarian rule (1876-1911)
• Restored Mexican economy
• Benefits primarily accrued to a small elite group (cientificos)
• Significant opposition from the urban middle class, who desired democracy
• Perceived betrayal of national interests to foreign powers (especially US)

Mexican Revolution

• Causes: Growing unrest & opposition to Diaz's rule
• Events:
  • Madero's call for free elections (1910)
  • Diaz's resignation (1911), Madero's ascension
  • Huerta's coup and dictatorship (1913), assassination of Madero
  • Coalition against Huerta: Villa, Zapata, Carranza
  • Carranza's eventual victory and presidency (1917)
• Key Figures:
  • Francisco Villa: Sought peasant improvements.
  • Emiliano Zapata: Shared goals of Villa for peasants.
  • Venustiano Carranza: Pragmatic leader, eventually turned against and defeated Villa and Zapata.

Constitution of 1917

• Land and labor reforms: Redistribution of land, restrictions on foreign land ownership, government control over resources (nationalization)
• Class reforms: Minimum wage, workers' rights (right to strike)
• Women's rights: Movement towards greater equality in the workforce
• Restrictions on the church: Reduced church influence, asserting government ownership of land
• Economic control: Strengthened government's control over the economy

Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI)

• Included diverse groups, maintaining power through a flexible approach
• Provided stability to Mexico

Nationalism in Latin America

• Political Nationalism: Authoritarian leaning governments arose with a focus on national economic protection
• Cultural Nationalism: Move away from European influences/trends; a proud embrace of their own culture and the blending of Western and indigenous traditions.
• Economic Nationalism: Efforts to develop independent industries, reduce dependence on foreign goods; using tariffs, investments, and promoting local business.

Good Neighbor Policy

• US non-intervention in Latin America's internal affairs.
• Abandoning military occupations
• Supporting Mexico's nationalization efforts.
• Emphasis on cooperation and trade rather than force.

Africa under Colonial Rule

• Almost complete colonization of Africa (by 1900s)
• Exploitation of African labor; low wages for plantation/mine work.
• Restriction on land ownership and usage.
• Restrictions on movement, identity documents, etc.
• WWI-era African soldiers fighting in hopes of rights/recognition.
• African intellectuals and activists criticized colonial rule.
• Growing opposition to colonialism and desire for independence following WWI.

Explore the significant effects of World War I on the global landscape, including harsh reparations and the rise of nationalism. Additionally, examine the characteristics of the post-war era and the political dynamics in Mexico under Porfirio Diaz's rule. This quiz will test your understanding of these critical historical events.