Revolution and Nationalism in Latin America

Who was the dictator that ruled Mexico for almost 35 years by 1910?

• Emiliano Zapata

• Francisco Madero

• Porfirio Díaz

• Pancho Villa

Answer explanation

Porfirio Díaz was the dictator who ruled Mexico for nearly 35 years until 1910, known for his authoritarian regime and significant economic modernization, which ultimately led to the Mexican Revolution.

Which statements below would BEST describe the 30-year rule of Porfirio Díaz in Mexico?

• Díaz's rule was characterized by complete democracy and equality.

• Economic decline and social harmony defined Díaz's governance.

• Díaz's rule was marked by authoritarianism, economic growth, and social inequality.

• Díaz promoted extensive land reforms that benefited all citizens.

Answer explanation

Díaz's rule was characterized by authoritarianism, as he suppressed dissent, while also achieving economic growth through modernization. However, this growth led to significant social inequality, making the correct choice the best description.

What were the peasants fighting for during the Mexican revolution?

• Religious freedom

• Social, political, and economic change

• Territorial expansion

• Technological advancement

Answer explanation

During the Mexican Revolution, peasants fought primarily for social, political, and economic change, seeking to address inequalities and improve their living conditions, rather than for religious freedom, territorial expansion, or technological advancement.

What was the main cause of discontent in Mexico during the early 20th century?

• Prosperity was evenly distributed among all citizens.

• The majority of Mexicans were wealthy landowners.

• Most Mexicans were mestizos or Indian peasants living in poverty.

• The government provided ample jobs for everyone.

Answer explanation

The main cause of discontent in early 20th century Mexico was that most Mexicans were mestizos or Indian peasants living in poverty, while wealth and land were concentrated in the hands of a few, leading to widespread inequality.

Who was Francisco Madero?

• A conservative leader who supported the Díaz dictatorship.

• A liberal reformer who demanded free elections and the removal of president Diaz

• A military dictator who ruled after Díaz.

• A wealthy landowner who opposed political reform.

Answer explanation

Francisco Madero was a liberal reformer who opposed the long-standing dictatorship of Porfirio Díaz, advocating for free elections and political change, which ultimately led to the Mexican Revolution.

Who was Francisco "Pancho" Villa?

• A conservative leader who opposed social change.

• A military dictator who ruled Mexico.

• A hard-riding rebel from the north who won the loyalty of peasants.

• A liberal reformer who demanded free elections.

Answer explanation

Francisco "Pancho" Villa was a prominent figure in the Mexican Revolution, known for his role as a hard-riding rebel leader from the north. He gained the loyalty of peasants by advocating for their rights and land reforms.

Who was the U.S. President that sent troops to Mexico during the revolution?

• Theodore Roosevelt

• Woodrow Wilson

• Franklin D. Roosevelt

• Herbert Hoover

Answer explanation

Woodrow Wilson was the U.S. President who sent troops to Mexico during the Mexican Revolution in 1916, primarily to pursue Pancho Villa after his raid on Columbus, New Mexico.

What major issues did the Constitution of 1917 address?

• Education, healthcare, and technology

• Land, religion, and labor

• Transportation, communication, and trade

• Science, art, and culture

Answer explanation

The Constitution of 1917 addressed critical issues in Mexico, focusing on land reform, the separation of church and state (religion), and labor rights, making 'Land, religion, and labor' the correct choice.

What rights did the Constitution of 1917 give to women?

• The right to vote

• The right to own land

• The right to the same pay as men for the same jobs

• The right to hold public office

Answer explanation

The Constitution of 1917 granted women the right to equal pay for equal work, promoting gender equality in the workplace. This was a significant step towards women's rights, although the right to vote and hold office came later.

What was the primary goal of the Constitution of 1917 in Mexico?

• To establish a monarchy.

• To set goals for future reforms.

• To abolish all taxes.

• To create a new currency.

Answer explanation

The Constitution of 1917 aimed to set goals for future reforms in Mexico, addressing social issues and land rights, rather than establishing a monarchy, abolishing taxes, or creating a new currency.