IB History Post-revolutionary State Notes

Background

1. After a decade of civil war (1910–1920), Mexico faced the immense challenge of rebuilding a nation devastated by revolution.
2. The revolution’s ideals i.e.land reform, labor rights, education, and national sovereignty had to be translated into institutions.
3. From 1920 to 1940, leaders such as Álvaro Obregón, Plutarco Elías Calles, and their successors (during the Maximato) worked to consolidate political authority, modernize the economy, and stabilize a fractured society.
4. Their efforts laid the foundations of the post-revolutionary state that would dominate Mexican politics for the rest of the 20th century.

Álvaro Obregón (1920–1924): Reconstruction and Reconciliation

1. Political Reconciliation
   1. After the chaos of the revolution, Obregón prioritized national unity. He offered amnesty to former enemies, integrated rival military factions, and reestablished relations with the U.S. through the Bucareli Agreements (1923).
2. Education Reform
   1. Appointed José Vasconcelos as Minister of Education, who expanded rural schools, promoted literacy campaigns, and used art and murals to instill revolutionary values and national identity.
3. Land Reform
   1. Distributed about 1 million hectares of land, though implementation was cautious and uneven.
4. Labor Policy
   1. Supported the Confederación Regional Obrera Mexicana (CROM), aligning with organized labor to stabilize industrial relations.
5. Outcome
   1. Obregón’s presidency achieved relative stability and began rebuilding state institutions but relied on military patronage to maintain order.

Plutarco Elías Calles (1924–1928): Institutionalization and Conflict

1. Political Vision
   1. Calles sought to create a modern, secular, and institutional state governed by law rather than personal power. Known as “El Jefe Máximo,” he emphasized state control and economic modernization.