History The Mexican Revolution Questions Medium
The Mexican Revolution, which took place from 1910 to 1920, had significant consequences for the Mexican business class. Prior to the revolution, a small group of wealthy landowners and industrialists controlled the majority of Mexico's wealth and resources. However, the revolution aimed to address social and economic inequalities, leading to significant changes for the business class.
One of the major consequences was the redistribution of land. The revolutionaries, led by figures such as Emiliano Zapata and Francisco Villa, fought for agrarian reform and the redistribution of land to peasants. As a result, large estates owned by the business class were seized and redistributed among the rural population. This led to a significant loss of land and economic power for the business class, as their previously owned properties were taken away.
Additionally, the revolution brought about the nationalization of key industries. The Mexican government, under President Lazaro Cardenas in the 1930s, implemented policies that aimed to regain control over strategic sectors of the economy. This included the nationalization of oil, mining, and other industries. As a result, many businesses owned by the elite were expropriated and brought under state control. This further diminished the economic influence of the business class.
Furthermore, the revolution led to the establishment of labor rights and the strengthening of workers' movements. The revolutionaries fought for better working conditions, fair wages, and the right to unionize. This resulted in the formation of labor unions and the implementation of labor laws that protected workers' rights. The business class had to adapt to these changes and negotiate with organized labor, which affected their ability to maintain complete control over the workforce and working conditions.
Overall, the consequences of the Mexican Revolution for the Mexican business class were significant. They experienced a loss of land, the nationalization of industries, and the emergence of labor rights and organized labor. These changes challenged the economic and social dominance of the business class, leading to a more equitable distribution of wealth and power in Mexico.