The Consequences of the Mexican Revolution for Women - Essay Example

CONSEQUENCES OF THE MEXICAN REVOLUTION FOR WOMEN Introduction According to Mitchell and Schell, women in Mexico are much freer in the 21st century, than they were centuries ago. 1 While agreeing with Mitchell and Schell, researchers hold that women’s active participation in the revolution; affected their roles in the modern society. They served in many roles that were initially preserved for men, and took up prestigious positions in the Mexican political system. Despite their activism in the society, women are rarely recognized or recorded as much as their male counterparts. Moreover, the Mexican society has for long glorified male dominance and female submission. Female subordination was fueled by the Spanish colonizers and the Aztec culture. The Spaniards oppressed the Mexican women and those of mixed descent. Despite constant protests they continued to occupy inferior positions in the society, until the Mexican revolution started. Before examining the consequences of the Mexico revolution on the women, it will be instructive to examine the specific roles that they played in the uprising. It will also be important to examine the history of the Mexican revolution and how women got involved in the struggle. Mexico revolution The revolution started in 1910 and led to the deposition of the president Porfirio Diaz. The revolution led to the establishment of the constitutional Mexico and was led by a number of revolutionaries including Francisco Madero, Pascual Orozco, Pancho Villa and Emiliano Zapata. To understand how the conflict came about it is instructive to examine the role of the Porfirio Diaz and Francisco Madero. Diaz was president of Mexico between 1876 and 1911, and during his rule Mexico registered huge successes including extensive modernization, building of mines, plantations, and establishment of telegraph lines and rail roads. However, despite these positive gains the majority of the population continued to be affected by poverty, hence resulting to the right conditions for a rebellion. The economic deterioration in the country coincided with the 1910 general elections. The electorates hoped to vote for Madero, and after sensing defeat Diaz planned to fix the elections. More over, Madero was arrested on false charges of plotting armed insurrection. In retaliation, Madero organized an armed conflict and his plans were supported by the leaders in the Southern states of Morelos. In the North, the Madero’s quest for power was supported by the muleteer Pascual Orozco and Panco Villa. The two revolutionaries formed strong armies that attacked federal garrisons and later on advanced to the capital city forcing Diaz to flee into exile. Following the defeat of the Mexican federal army, Madero signed the Treaty of the Ciudad Juarez, set stage for the abdication of the Diaz and subsequent replacement as the president of Mexico. Fresh elections were held in 1911, and set stage for the establishment of the liberal democracy. However after assuming power, Madero’s popularity reduced substantially especially in the rural areas and among the radical revolutionists and the conservative counter-revolutionists. Angered by the inaction by Madero’s government, Zapata and Orozco led a rebellion and in 1913, Madero was overthrown by Victoriano Huerta. Huerta’s government was acknowledged in many quarters except by the United States. Huerta’s legitimacy in power was challenged by Venustiano Carranza, an astute politician from Coahuila. Cohuila led his own rebel army named Constitutionalists, which secretly funded the American government. In 1913, war broke out between the government and Carranza’s forces, and at last Huerta fled to Spain. However, with support from Germany, Huerta tried to launch a counter-revolution but his venture was not successful. The following year in 1914, Carranza was driven out of the Mexico City by Villa and Zapata, but he was later on elected the president of Mexico. Carranza was eventually assassinated on May 21st, 1920 paving way for Obregon, a reformist general. Women’s role in pre-revolution era Under the Porfiriato, working class women and those from poor background were exploited. The poor women were the most exploited at times being forced to become prostitutes in the Mexico City. Their plight is well captured by Macias in the book titled, against all odds: the feminist movement in Mexico in 1940. According to Macias most of the prostitutes in the Mexico City were uneducated and had no vocational skills. During the pre-revolutionary period, feminists tried to struggle for women’s rights but they faced many hurdles on the way. According to the feminists, women deserve better jobs and should enjoy full legal rights just as men. However, under the civil code, women place in the society was much inferior compared to that of a man. The feminists who originated from rich background were committed towards preserving legal rights for women through marriage laws. The gender inequalities in the Mexican society were not only reinforced by the existing laws but were also glorified by the mass media. Just to illustrate, in 1910 the El Ditcamen newspaper carried an article titled, La Mujer Buena which suggested that an ideal woman is the one who remained quiet and humble in the society. Even then, some years preceding the revolution, a number of feminist groups started agitating for change. Some of the greatest concerns for these groups were lack of lack of proper education and the high number of prostitutes in major cities. To address the problem, the existing leadership under President Portifirio Diaz opened schools for women. As a result of tis venture, a number of women qualified to become teachers while others were absorbed in the government. By early 1900s, women had started coalescing and their efforts led to the establishment of the La Mujer Mexicana, a feminist newspaper. Women later expanded their roles as soldiers, nurses and propagandists during the revolution period. Women’s expanded role in the revolution Women acted as real soldiers during the Mexican Revolution as soldaderas. Women left their homes to participate in the armed conflict, and revolution gave them an opportunity to shed their docile image. With bandoliers and guns, women fought on both: some of them supported the federal government while others worked for the armies of Panco Vila, Emiliano Zapata and Venustiano Carranza. One of the staunch admirers of the soldadera was Zapata who included many women in his troops. The women in the Zapata’s army came from different social classes, and diverse backgrounds. Just like Zapata, Carranza welcomed hordes of women in his army to advance his political career. The acceptability of women in the war activities is examined in the book titled, Insurgent Mexico. In this book, Macias suggests that revolutionary leaders had varied perceptions towards women.2 On one hand, Pancho Villa who controlled the Northern parts of Mexico relied on women to nurse the wounded soldiers. One of the celebrated nurses during the revolution was Beatrice Ortega. On the other hand, Emiliano Zapato who operated on the Southern Mexico depended on women to supply food to the soldiers. Venustiano Carranza too appreciated women’s services to the extent of awarding them pension and ex-combatant rights. Carranza also employed women as propagandists and a good example is feminist journal writer, Mujer Moderna and Hermilia Galindo. Women were too appreciated in the Madero’s camp and were given various roles. Women participated in the revolution for a number of reasons. Firstly, women were in support of the agrarian ideals that were proposed by the revolutionaries. Secondly, other participated in the war in show of solidarity with their husbands. A perfect example is Manuela Oaxaca, who decided to join his husband in the war. Some of the young women joined their parents in the armed conflict later to become soldadera. However, not only all women joined the armed d struggle voluntarily, as some of them were abducted by the Federal Army or the revolutionary forces. There also the old women whose participation in the war was driven by revenge for abduction of their husbands, sons and brothers. The available literature also suggests that women become soldiers in a bid to improve their economical status. In return for their participation, they received food and money from te armies, which they then used to support their families back at home. Women not only fought along their husbands, but some of them were appointed as generals and colonels. A perfect example is Captain Petra Herrera, who valiantly fought for Venustiano Carranza’s army. Captain Petra Herrera was later became a general and her role was to command the women in the army. Another such brave soldadera was Quinteras de Mares, who like many other women was very committed to the revolution. The available publications observe that women were skilled with knives and guns and would ride and shoot almost as well as men. While women acted as soldaderas, they also performed diverse responsibilities including cooking and supplying the army with necessaries goods. Some of them even carried the armies’ equipment from one battle to the other. Remember, the revolutionaries were not well organized hence the need for women to support their bedding and other basic necessities. Likewise, the federal government did not have a department responsible for these tasks hence they too depended on women to set up camps and for cooking. In their course of their duties, some of them brought their families along. Their input during the war is recognized by the available literature and their role is considered especially integral in carrying of the equipment. Without their participation in the armies, would have been slowed and would not have performed as intended. While the Soldiers aligned themselves with the revolutionary soldiers, the Mexican feminists worked with the revolutionary leaders to find a place for themselves in the new society. In other words, the Mexican feminists from the rich backgrounds took advantage of the revolution to increase their feminist activities. One such woman is Juana Mendoza who fought for the rights of the disenfranchised workers during the Porfiriato period. Another equally important feminist is Hirmela Galindo a newspaper editor who fought for greater equality for women through an alliance with Venustiano Carranza. On the other hand, Dolores Muro, supported Zapata’s quest for reforming labor practices and social issues. By aligning themselves with the leaders fighting for the overthrown of the Porfiriato, women were able to continue with their feminist activities which they had started before the outbreak of the conflict. Social status and Equality Most of the women involved the armed struggle came from the lower cadres. Women from the rural areas were likely to support revolutionaries who at the time were seeking agrarian reforms. In contrast, working women who benefited greatly during the Diaz’s reign were likely to fight along the federal army. One such woman was La Neri, who hailed from a rich background and supported the federal army. Women’s participation in the army earned them much respect and gave them almost similar roles as men. As earlier indicated, women were as good as men in fighting, and some of them acted as generals and colonels. In addition, with the money obtained for their participation in the armed struggle, they were able to feed their families. By choosing to come forward, rather than sitting back and accepting their traditional roles, women were accorded a special place in the society. Their participation in the army meant that they free to pursue their ambitions without being constrained by their husbands who at the time were actively engaged in war. It is also noting that women died just like their male counterparts. A perfect example can be found at the article titled, “Battle on At Night” where a woman together with her child, are thrown into a burning building. Such valiant acts were later on rewarded with equality. 3 Movements and mobilization While participating in the conflict accorded the women a liberating experience, they were also fought their rights as Morton suggests.4 Women rejected the social norms imposed on them during wars and formed more positive relationships with their husbands. At times, they formed relationship with the soldiers and through such unions they were empowered and they become more assertive. Most importantly, women during the revolution they formed groups to advance of their rights. The Porfiriato period saw the spread of the modern feminist movements. During the same period, the upper class women, attended ecclesiastical schools while the middle and working class women attended the porfiriato-era institutions. Attending school gave woman a unique opportunity to claim their rightful; place in the society. Women were even ready to face occupational chauvinism by registering for medical-related courses. The women’s quest for independence was also advanced through publications such as the La Mujer Mexicana which was established in 1904. Through such publications, women could voice their opinions while creating a forum to cement the female community in Mexico. Through such publications the educated women would discuss various issues including prostitution in the Mexico City. The feminist group which emerged during and after the revolution took interests in the economic concerns of the poor women. In this regard, the Yucatan feminists sacrificed to teach the Mayan women about basic rights. The feminist activity during the post-revolutionary period was supported by progressive leaders such as Salvador Alvarado and Felipe Puerto. Legal reforms As a way of recognizing women’s participation in the revolution, modest reforms were conducted under the Carranza’s government. The reforms which were conducted in1914 authorized divorce and remarriage. More widespread reforms occurred in 1917 with the passage of the Law of Family Relations Act which gave women the right to receive alimony, to participate in legal proceedings, to property ownership and to child custody. However, despite these successes, their rights to voting were denied under the 1918 National election Law. Women were not satisfied with these gains, but they continued to pressurize the government to institute more dramatic changes. These legal reforms positively impacted on the women’s place in the society, and actually modified the family law. Following this positive gesture to women, states started enacting even more progressive laws. They were accorded same legal capacity as men and the law provided for the civil divorce. Furthermore women were allowed to practice law and to move out of the family home without parental authority. Similarly, the 1927 civil code gave women authority of their assets and could seek career outside their homes as long as they performed their domestic duties. With such reforms, women become almost equal partners with men, and their agitation for more dramatic reforms increased tremendously. With time, women expanded their role in the Mexican political process, but their progress was greatly hindered by lack of willingness from the male leaders. Just to illustrate, while women agitated for the same rights as men, it was not until 1953 that they were granted the privilege. Economic participation In the post-revolutionary period, women’s role in Mexican society continued to be recognized. Women participated in the economic and political aspects of the nation, and easily found jobs as teachers, in women organizations and government agencies. During the 1920’s women were granted right to vote in some states. By the end of 1920’s most of the political parties continued to recognized the input of women and become more receptive to their demands for suffrage. Women’s quest for political participation in the Mexican society became a reality in 1929 when PAN recognized their role in civic life. In the 1930s, women’s movements gained more strength and a perfect example is the Unified Front for Women’s Rights (FUPDM) whose aim was to improve women’s daily lives. The movement also advocated for lower taxed and rent for those operating in the local market. Unlike the other movement, whose membership was mainly drawn from the upper and middle classes, the FUPDM gained huge support from the lower-class women. With the help of then president, Lazaro Cardenas the movement organized grass root activities in rural areas. While the revolution changed the perception of the gender roles, some of the gains made were lost during between 1940 and 1968. In 1940, President Camacho was elected and the major women movements lost their assertiveness and political visibility. In addition, in 1940s women shifted their cause to non-political issues such reduction in taxes and rent, and legislation of domestic workers. Despite the loss in momentum, women were granted the right to vote and hold office in municipal elections in 1947. Women were finally given the same rights as men in 1953. Giving women the same rights as men was a noble gesture from the President Amalia Castillo Ledon and this new found change positively impacted on women’s place in the society. For instance, with this newly acquired status, women were able to elect their first female to Mexican congress in 1954. In the following years, more women were elected to the national congress and women continued to exercise their voting rights. Women were also empowered after the revolution and the increased democratic space. In 1940s the country’s blossoming economic climate attracted foreign investors which gave women new opportunities in the labor force. While the gains made during the revolution era and post-revolutionary period, had an immediate impact on the women’s progress, the period between 1970 and 1990 arguably provided women with better opportunities for political activism. During this period women from all social classes, formed coalitions to combat social problems such as unemployment. Women also addressed issues related to sanitation and access to basic needs. In the early 1970s the young professional women formed groups to celebrate feminism and plan for their advancement. Later in 1970s, different women movements joined forces to deal with issues related to abortion, and rape. Different factions also came together to push their agenda within the major political parties. Feminist groups were successful in increasing their participation in the PRI and the Mexican Communist Parties. During the economic crisis of 1976, women from different social classes participated in the urban popular movements and through such coalitions they were able to address housing problems, and issues related to transportation, healthcare and education. Women role in the Mexican society continues to expand as evidenced by their participation in the economic environment. Just to illustrate in 1982, following the economic crisis, the Mexican government was forced to adopt structural adjustment polices which devalued the government’s expenditure and devalued the Mexican currency. Te economic hardships were experienced in both the urban and rural areas. To supplement the family income, women were forced to seek for jobs and employment opportunities. During this period, the number of the female-headed households increased tremendously and women played an important role in providing for their families. The women’s solidarity in the Mexican society was again witnessed after the 1985 earthquake. During this time, the elitist feminist groups mobilized resources to help the Mexican women that were affected by the earthquake. By the end of the 1980s, women from all social classes combined their efforts to achieve social goals and material gains. Since then, they continue to be major actors in the Mexican political system and have joined NGOs to achieve solutions to various social problems. Race and class During the feminists who mainly hailed from poor background and the upper-class feminists fought against each other. As a matter of fact, the feminists detested the soldiers for joining the armed conflict while the soldaderas refrained from joining the feminists in the quest for equal rights due to the difference in social classes. The revolution drove the two groups further and their differences persisted even in the post-revolutionary period. Indeed, according to Jaquette the representation of low-class women in the feminist groups was very scant.5 Lack of participation in the emancipation of women can be attributed to several factors including back-ward traditions. The participation of the lower-class women in the advancement of the women’s rights only improved in 1930s. The formation of the FUPDM gave poor women a platform to improve their lives and that is why they supported the movement. The movement dealt with issues related the plight of the average woman such as reducing rent, and electricity rates. Women’s unity was again realized after the change in the electoral law and the constitution in 1953. Once women were granted the voting rights, they participated overwhelmingly in the 1958 and 1958 elections. Their unity was again experienced between 1970s and 1990s. Women from all social classes held demonstrations and formed groups to address social issues. The women movements continue to draw participation from different women groupings and address any issues dealing with oppression and exploitation. Indeed, movements realize the importance of the support from the lower-class movements. In 1970s, cross-class alliances were also established to consolidate women from all walks of life. Conclusion The revolution acted as a catalyst to increased women’s political participation in the Mexican affairs. For long their voices had been silenced by the rule of Porforio Diaz but the revolution gave them an appropriate platform to become political actors. The revolution restructured the gender models both of the Porfiriato and social revolutionary periods. In the war front they acted as soldiers and even became generals and colonels, and thereafter took a more active role in the political arena. The educated women participated in the revolution by aligning with the revolutionaries and acting as propagandists. During the post-revolutionary period, women’s quest for suffrage and equal rights continued, until their cry was heard in 1953. Women still participate in the civic life, through non-governmental organizations and have combined their efforts in addressing social issues. However, as experienced during the revolution era, these groups are by middle and upper-class women. Although women enjoy the same rights as men, they still hold more traditional jobs and are least paid than their male counterparts. With continued mobilization and unity, one day they will be able to enjoy equal treatment with their male counterparts in all aspects. Bibliography Jaquette, Jane. The women’s movement in Latin America: Participation and democracy. Boulder: west view press, 1994 Macias, Anna. Against all odds: The feminist movement in Mexico to 1940. Westport, Connecticut: Greenwood Press, 1982 Mitchell, Stephanie and Schell Patience. The womens revolution in Mexico 1910-1953. Rowman & Littlefield, 2007 Morton, Ward. Woman suffrage in Mexico. Gainesville, Florida: University of Florida Press, 1962 Pallis, Michael. Slaves of slaves. London: Zed press, 1977 Read More