Revolutions: The Mexican Revolution: Home

Assessment question: Now that President Francisco Madero has struggled to govern Mexico, which policies backed by what ideas or ideologies and executed by whom are best for the nation.

It is early February 1913. While the revolution to oust longtime Mexican dictator Porfirio Diaz in 1910 proved successful, President Francisco Madero's cross-class, cross-regional coalition government struggled to compromise among its members soon after he took office in November 2011. Now, fourteen months into his presidency, Madero has turned back some of his opponents, but whether or not he can effectively govern all or even part of Mexico is an open question.

Those vying for power in parts or all of Mexico include:

• Francisco Madero
• Victoriano Huerta
• Venusiano Carranza
• Pancho Villa
• Emiliano Zapata
• Alvaro Obregón

With your partner, you will research the following questions about your historical figure: 

• Who are you / what is your background?
• What are your fundamental beliefs?
• Who are your supporters? (hacienda owners, indigenous northerners, miners, etc.)
• What region(s) of Mexico do you represent?
• What is / are your plan(s) for your constituency or region or Mexico overall?
• With whom would you be willing to align, and why?

You and your partner, having researched your historical figure's life and positions, and acquired a base understanding of other figures' positions by reading your classmates' synopses, have a seat at the table as the assessment question - and therefore the future of Mexico - is discussed. You will arrive at the table with prepared questions for others (shared with your teacher the previous evening) and a deep understanding of who "you" are and what you stand for in order to participate in an informed way during the discussion.