| Subject: Aleman and Related Mexican Topics |
Author:
Rocco Pigneri
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Date Posted: 13:12:44 05/23/02 Thu
Ejidos ? Product of the Mexican Revolution (1910-1920) ? concept of village-owned lands instituted by the post-revolutionary government ? as part of land redistribution in 1915, the government took land from landowners and gave it to villages in order that it be used in common ? the residents only had license to use it, not ownership of it ? system lasted to 1992 and was opposed by the liberals and positivists before the war
Miguel Alemán ? businessman president who started the ?Miracle of Mexico? era ? used Mexico?s relatively peaceful, tolerant culture and the president?s virtually tyrannical power to create appearance of great equality of wealth and a progressive, self-aiding culture (the Mexican Miracle ? more on this next) ? used Porfirian ?bread or the bludgeon? system to create this sham ? this system of bribes and corrupt aid was used to create an image that all people in Mexico could rise to prominence if they stayed in the political system (i.e. made the government look good and functioning)
Mexican Miracle ? appearance of wonderful spreading of economic development in Mexico which was really just a concentration of wealth and development in Mexico City ? all of Mexico and rest of the world felt that Mexico was in an era of unprecedented growth in which Mexico would gain the education and wealth of America ? a disciple of Diego Rivera painted a mural that depicts the whole of Mexico developing while newspapers read of promises of all Mexican children learning to read and of printing presses at the aid of children ? this whole sham was orchestrated by Miguel Alemán
Presidencialismo ? There is not much about this term, simply a vague reference to an earlier description of it. From what I gather, it is much like the tyrannical control of the nation that the president holds, much like Miguel Alemán?s example above. Presidencialismo grew out of the power of the Mexican vice-royalty during colonial times when the viceroy was equivalent to a king in the New World.
Dedazo ? system under which the Mexican president could choose his successor, thus giving himself the ability to ensure that he would have no reprisals for his abuses during the presidency since his follower was usually a supporter. This let presidents steal enough money and estate to retire comfortably after their terms. Alvaro Obregón and Plutarco Calles?s agricultural estates are examples of the effects of the dedazo system. Helped the government head change without changing the regime, or the underlying power struggle and the abuse of power ? helped Mexico look more democratic than it really was.
Caudillismo ? While I could not find this term exactly, I did find caudillaje, which has been translated in the text as ?Latin American culture?. This is a measure of one?s culture, or public power, in an area of Mexico. For Mexicans, politics is viewed as the vehicle for personal and public power and recognition rather than the private sector, a remnant from the colonial period when all power was vested in the government. By taking all the youth of promise, this leaves a smaller talent for Mexico?s private sector, thus hurting its growth.
Caciques ? local bosses or strongmen who have control of a certain amount of land, called a cacicazgos, in a rural area, usually the less developed south ? threaten Mexico City with a real armed threat ? most co-opted by government in return for incredible control of private lands ? some still entrenched in South ? will require both local and national aid to dislodge
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