¡Viva la Revolución!

¡Viva la Revolución!

                   

          

 In Latin history class, to me, the revolutions that were most talked about were the Mexican and Cuban revolutions. Each revolution brought forward many inspirational radical leaders that are looked up to by their own and other people. But not only did each revolution bring about amazing leaders but both revolutions also brought many changes to their countries: economically, politically, and socially. I was curious as to how different and alike the Cuban and Mexican revolutions are in regard of those components. I think it’s important to analyze the key factors that helped these leaders gain recognition for their work and, also, the outcome it had on each one of the countries.

The first thing, I think, we need to compare from both the Cuban and Mexican revolution is why they started. Let us start with the Mexican revolution. Its main reason for it break through was because of the belief that wealthy landowners could not continue the old Spanish customs that ruled during the colonial era, a system called la encomienda (http://countrystudies.us/mexico/7.htmedsitement.neh.gov/feature/mexican-revolution-november-20th-1910). Oppressed citizens believed that the system needed to be replaced with a more modern one. Similarly, the Cuban revolution also started due to the oppression and injustice of wealthy folks and the Batista government.

Two major historical figures that came about the Mexican revolution is Francisco “Pancho” Villa and Emiliano Zapata. Both leaders were known for their fierce mentality to overcome the oppression that faced them and many other people. Zapata ran the radical movement south of Mexico and Villa north of Mexico. Both were eventually assassinated by government officials that wanted him annihilated. In the Cuban revolution two great historical figures that started the movement were Fidel Castro and Ernesto “Che” Guevara. Fidel, a Cuban born citizen, saw how badly Cuba was being run by Dictator Fulgencio Batista. Castro met Che in Mexico where they plotted and planned the revolution (http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/amex/castro/timeline/index.html). After the Cuban revolution, Che moved to Bolivia where he was later captured and killed by the Bolivian military. Castro made himself ruler of Cuba and dictates it to this day. Although there are rumors that he passed away not long ago.

             Mexico political stand after the revolution was a more liberal and the people got what they fought for. In 1911, after ruling Mexico for ruling for 34 year, Dictator Porfirio Diaz left office after seeing how powerful the revolution was taking its course. A revolutionist’s constitution was implemented. Mineral rights who were owned by foreign companies were now owned by the nation. Common lands were given back to labor workers that worked in them. Catholic Church rights become stricter. This new constitution created a system that is still being used to this day.

After the Cuban revolution, its political government became a socialist communist one. Castro made himself leader/ dictator of Cuba. After Castro allied up with the Soviet Union, the U.S cut off all trade with Cuba and other capitalist countries followed. This cause Cuba economic stand to weaken. Allowing Cuba to trade only with communist countries. Although Cuba’s economy was weak Castro did bring good change its people. Cuba’s literacy rate was among the highest in the world and health care become free to people of Cuba. (http://www.invent-the-future.org/2013/07/20-reasons-to-support-cuba/)

             

Source of images: 
- http://jefffsbeardboard.yuku.com/topic/10212/Young-Fidel-Castros-patchy-beard 

- http://www.el5antuario.org/2011/12/juan-miguel-zunzunegui-de-pancho-villa.html