History The Mexican Revolution Questions Medium
The Mexican Revolution, which took place from 1910 to 1920, had significant consequences for land ownership in Mexico. One of the main goals of the revolution was to address the issue of land inequality and the concentration of land in the hands of a few wealthy landowners. As a result, several key changes occurred in land ownership following the revolution.
Firstly, the revolution led to the implementation of agrarian reforms aimed at redistributing land to the rural population. The most notable of these reforms was the 1917 Mexican Constitution, which included Article 27. This article recognized the rights of peasants and indigenous communities to communal land, and it allowed for the expropriation of large estates to be redistributed among landless peasants. This marked a significant shift in land ownership patterns, as it aimed to break up the large haciendas and promote small-scale farming.
Secondly, the revolution also led to the creation of ejidos, which were communal lands granted to rural communities. These ejidos were intended to provide land for subsistence farming and to promote collective ownership and decision-making. The ejido system aimed to empower rural communities and ensure their access to land, thereby reducing the power of large landowners.
Additionally, the revolution resulted in the nationalization of land and natural resources. The Mexican government took control of large tracts of land, particularly those owned by foreign companies, and redistributed them to Mexican peasants and communities. This nationalization aimed to assert Mexico's sovereignty over its resources and ensure their equitable distribution among the population.
Overall, the consequences of the Mexican Revolution for land ownership were significant. The revolution brought about agrarian reforms, the creation of ejidos, and the nationalization of land and resources. These measures aimed to address land inequality, empower rural communities, and promote a more equitable distribution of land in Mexico.