Mexico

1929The unification of the different revolutionary trends gave way to the Revolutionary National Party, founded by President Plutarco Elías Calles. This organization was the harbinger of the current Institutional Revolutionary Party that not only changed its name, but also dropped Socialist principles.

1910The revolution had been conducted under the slogan, "Direct vote and No Re-election”. It was led by Francisco Madero, who was murdered in 1913. The armed struggle lasted two years and was commanded by Emiliano Zapata and Pancho Villa. The principles of the revolution were anointed in the 1917 Constitution, the world’s most advanced at the time and currently in place, enacted by Venustiano Carranza. But the armed struggle among the different revolutionary fractions carried on and the main chiefs were killed in the process. Alvarado Obregón takes over that same year on a pledge to implement an Land Reform.

1876General Porfirio Díaz, an ardent liberal who opposed the French intervention, took over in 1876 through 1911. During his 35-year dictatorship, the country was once again open to foreign investment, the economy was streamlined and social differences got bigger.

1871The Socialist newspaper was directed by printing worker Juan de Wata Rivera. On September 10, this periodical published for the very first time in all Latin America the First Socialist International’s general statutes and guidelines.

1861Juárez prevailed and restored national unity. But his decision of freezing the payment of the public debt triggered an armed intervention conducted by France, Great Britain and Spain. The British and the Spaniards withdrew, while the French set up a monarchy in an attempt to offset the influence exerted by the U.S. in the region. Maximiliano, the Austrian Archduke, was crowned as emperor. Yet, a patriotic resistance soon put the Republican Armies back together and Juárez resumed his term in office in 1867.

1854A federal constitution is passed. An anti-clerical policy gets under way leading to more domestic fighting. Benito Juarez becomes a prominent character during this conflict.

1845The U.S.-Mexican War lasted two years with the Americans coming out winners. As a result of the conflict, the United States annexed Higher California and New Mexico.

1835Santa Anna, who had been elected president three years ago, signed into law a new constitution striking down each and every dregs of feudalism and the state of Texas where 30,000 U.S. citizens were living. The squabble between federalists and centrists brought about Santa Anna’s military oligarchy. Anna’s military blundering resulted in the loss of Texas and Yucatan.