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What were the major goals of the Mexican Revolution?
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Mexico
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The Mexican Revolution began with the primary goal of overthrowing the dictatorship of Porfirio Díaz, whose long rule had marginalized the majority of the population while favoring elites and foreign interests. As the conflict progressed, this political movement expanded into a profound social and economic upheaval, with its core aspirations eventually codified in the Constitution of 1917.123
Key goals of the revolution included:
- Agrarian Reform: A central demand was the restoration of land to indigenous villages and the dismantling of the hacienda system. Reformers sought to reestablish collective landholdings, known as ejidos, to reduce poverty and inequality.43
- Labor Rights: Revolutionaries aimed to improve the status of workers, who had been denied the right to organize under Díaz. The movement successfully pushed for the right to strike, minimum wages, and social security protections.23
- Nationalism: There was a strong reaction against the excessive economic power and privileges granted to foreign interests, particularly regarding the ownership of natural resources like oil.23
- Education and Social Welfare: The movement advocated for a secular, free, and compulsory public education system to address widespread illiteracy.3