DP History Questionbank

Description

This section focuses on the causes, course and impact of the Mexican Revolution that occurred in a country that had experienced a lengthy period of political stability and economic growth. The socio-economic composition of revolutionary leadership was varied, as were the aims. The revolution was prolonged and costly. The Constitution of 1917 has been described as the most progressive constitution created at this time in the region. It had significant influence on the political developments of the country and the area. The revolution impacted greatly on the arts, arguably representing the earliest and most enduring attempt to overcome racial divisions and incorporate the Indian heritage into the national identity.

• Causes of the Mexican Revolution: social, economic and political; the role of the Porfiriato regime

• The revolution and its leaders (1910‑17): ideologies, aims and methods of Madero, Villa, Zapata, Carranza; achievements and failures; Constitution of 1917: nature and application

• Construction of the post-revolutionary state (1920‑38): Obregón, Calles and the Maximato; challenges; assessment of their impact in the post-revolutionary state

• Lázaro Cárdenas and the renewal of the revolution (1939‑40): aims, methods and achievements

• The role of foreign powers (especially the United States) in the outbreak and development of the Mexican Revolution; motivations, methods of intervention and contributions

• Impact of the revolution on the arts, education and music (suitable examples could be Siqueiros, Rivera, Orozco); the impact of Vasconcelos’ educational reforms; the development of popular music; literary works on the revolution

Directly related questions

• 16N.3op2.HL.TZ0.11:

  “The Mexican Revolution was not started by the oppressed; it began with a division within the dominant elite.” Discuss.

• 16N.3op2.HL.TZ0.12:

  Examine the impact of the Mexican revolution on the arts and education.