What were the social and economic conditions in Mexico before the revolution?

History The Mexican Revolution Questions



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What were the social and economic conditions in Mexico before the revolution?

Before the Mexican Revolution, Mexico was characterized by significant social and economic inequalities. The majority of the population, particularly peasants and indigenous communities, faced extreme poverty, landlessness, and exploitation. The hacienda system, where large landowners controlled vast estates, resulted in the concentration of land and wealth in the hands of a few. This led to the displacement of peasants from their ancestral lands and their forced labor on haciendas. Additionally, the majority of the population had limited access to education, healthcare, and basic services.

Economically, Mexico was heavily dependent on foreign investment and dominated by foreign-owned industries, particularly in mining, oil, and agriculture. This reliance on foreign capital led to the exploitation of Mexican resources and the extraction of wealth from the country. The working class faced harsh working conditions, low wages, and limited labor rights.

Overall, the social and economic conditions in Mexico before the revolution were marked by widespread poverty, inequality, and the marginalization of the majority of the population. These conditions played a significant role in fueling the discontent and desire for change that ultimately led to the Mexican Revolution.