Table of contents:
- 20 November Mexico: What Happened?
- Mexican Revolution Brief Context
- Mexican Revolution Curious Facts
- Places to Visit in Mexico to Know More About the Mexican Revolution
- Conclusion
- Informative Video
20 November Mexico: What Happened?
The Mexican Revolution was an armed conflict that began in 1910 as a result of popular discontent with the dictatorship of Porfirio Díaz. This would start a civil war that would forever change the social and political structure of all of México. Many groups joined the revolution with different goals. Some wanted free elections and democracy, while others fought for land reform or workers’ rights. These differences sometimes created conflicts between revolutionary leaders. But even with disagreements, they shared a common idea: Mexico needed change.
One important thing about the revolution is how it gave a voice to people who were usually ignored. Farmers, workers, and even women started to speak up and join the fight. Their participation showed that the revolution was not just for rich or powerful people—it was a movement for everyone. The revolution also brought changes in art and education.
Murals, books, and music became ways to tell the story of what people were going through. Schools started to focus more on teaching about Mexican identity and history, helping the new generations understand their roots. Even though the revolution ended many years ago, it still has a strong impact today. Many of the rights and laws we have in Mexico came from this time. November 20 is not only a day to remember history, but also a reminder of how people can come together to make a better country.
Mexican Revolution Brief Context
After the old dictator, Porfirio Díaz, was reappointed as president of Mexico, which he had ruled since 1876, Francisco Madero, a large landowner and supporter of a liberal and democratic evolution, called for a general insurrection on November 20, 1910. Thus inaugurating the Mexican Revolution. Then, after the departure of Díaz in May 1911, Madero was elected president of the Republic. Still, he came up against the nostalgic supporters of the old regime and, above all, the peasant revolts.
Led by emblematic figures such as Pascual Orozco and Pancho Villa in the north of the country and Emiliano Zapata in the south, they were not content with establishing a parliamentary regime but also demanded a profound agrarian reform. Madero’s assassination in February 1913 was followed by a prolonged political instability, after which Venustiano Carranza came to power. In February 1917, he promulgated a new constitution marked by anticlericalism and social reformism, which laid the foundations of modern Mexico.
Mexican Revolution Curious Facts
Revolutionary ideas
Leon Trotsky was exiled on January 9 since Stalin banned him from the USSR. He arrived at Tampico, where the famous artist Frida Kahlo received him. Diego Rivera, a communist enthusiast, convinced the Mexican president to offer political asylum to the Soviet revolutionary.
Frida Kahlo was highly fascinated by Trotsky and by the revolutionary ideal. It was so that she falsified her birth certificate to make it coincide with the beginning of a significant event in the history of her country: The Mexican Revolution. Check out our post: Museums Mexico City: Top 8 Museums & More (Updated-2024).
Who were the Adelitas?
A woman who, in the Mexican Revolution, accompanied her boyfriend, brother, or father to combat. She was a combat assistant and supported the logistical work of the revolutionaries.
Women in the Mexican Revolution
As mentioned before, the Adelitas were very important. However, women at that time also played more relevant roles. For example, soldiers, journalists, informers, spies, and couriers. Although most of their names remain anonymous, the women’s incursion changed the course of Mexican history. Some women disguised themselves as men to join the front lines. They cut their hair, wore men’s clothes, and even took on male names to fight without being discovered. These women showed great bravery and strength in battle. They fought not just for their country but also for respect and equality.
Others helped in more quiet but powerful ways. Women hid revolutionaries in their homes, passed secret messages, and helped organize meetings. Without them, many plans and attacks would not have been possible. Their support from the shadows helped shape the success of the revolution. There were also female doctors and nurses who cared for the wounded, even when resources were low.
These women worked long hours in very difficult conditions. Their efforts saved many lives, and they brought hope to soldiers and families during dark times. After the war, many women continued to fight for their rights. They joined political movements and asked for better laws, education, and jobs. Their role in the revolution inspired future generations to speak up and take part in building a more fair and equal Mexico.
Emiliano Zapata twin
Emiliano Zapata had a double to attend public events. After he was assassinated, people used to identify him with a mole near his eye to verify that it was really his corpse.
The photographer who captured the reality of that time
Agustín Víctor Casasola was the photographer who captured the reality of the Mexican Revolution. He used his camera to show what life was like during the war. He didn’t just take pictures of famous people or battles. He also photographed normal people—farmers, women, workers, and children. This helped others understand how the revolution affected everyone, not just the leaders.
Casasola created a huge photo collection that still exists today. His photos are like a window into the past. They help students, teachers, and visitors learn what Mexico looked like during those hard times. Many of his photos are in museums and books around the world. He also worked with other photographers, including his own family. Together, they made one of the first photo agencies in Mexico. They worked hard to keep a record of history through images, and thanks to them, we have many photos from over 100 years ago.
His work is still important today. Many people see his pictures and feel more connected to Mexico’s story. His photos don’t use words, but they speak clearly. They remind us of how strong and brave the Mexican people were during that time.
Books and movies to learn more about the Mexican Revolution
- Books: Los de Abajo (Mariano Azuela), El Llano en Llamas (Juan Rulfo), México Bárbaro (John Kenneth Turner).
- Movies: Xochimilco (2009), Cuartelazo (1976), México, la revolución congelada (1971), El baile de los 41 (2020).
Places to Visit in Mexico to Know More About the Mexican Revolution
Throughout México, the battles in this era have remained and will continue until the end. This is why the essence of war, history, and tradition still exists in different places in the Mexican Republic. Indeed, Mexico is characterized by its unimaginable and unimaginable history. That said, it is worth mentioning that you can travel through time in every corner of the country. We can visit the places we will present below to travel in our time machine to the Mexican Revolution. Let’s go on the attack!
Monument to the Revolution
The Monument to the Revolution (Spanish: Monumento a la Revolución) is a mausoleum and monument commemorating the Mexican Revolution. Here, you can visit the museum that houses essential artifacts, clothing, and documents from this significant event in Mexico.
As if that were not enough, at the top, there is a coffee shop with an unimaginable panoramic view. Furthermore, at the top, a viewer will make you tremble with excitement – you’ll be on top of Mexico City! Check out our Mexico City Private Tour: Customize It with Guide & Driver Included (6h).
Finca Don Porfirio: Coffee Shop
This famous and delicious coffee shop is inspired by the Mexican Revolution. Visiting this cafe is a great way to enjoy and appreciate the Palacio Bellas Artes (Palace of Fine Arts).
Here, you will have a spectacular view of this palace, which is full of history and art inside and out. Similarly, another branch with items from the time of the revolution is Finca Don Porfirio San Rafael. An excellent option to have a good coffee, eat delicious food, and travel back in time. Check out our Personalized Tours here!
Canteen La Ópera
Two French sisters created this jewel in the center of Mexico City to recreate the iconic Parisian cafes and confectioneries. Although La Ópera did not start as a bar, its fame forced it to make it a Restaurant Bar after a move in the 19th century.
One of the establishment’s features is its very characteristic Art Nouveau décor, as well as the wallpaper that has been preserved since the Porfiriato period (the period in Mexican history when Porfirio Díaz (1830-1915) was president of the country). President Porfirio Díaz and the revolutionaries Emiliano Zapata and Pancho Villa could not miss a drink at this iconic bar. Check out our tour: Evening Street Food & Bar Crawl of Mexico City Private Tour.
Chihuahua, Chihuahua
Chihuahua is one of the places in Mexico par excellence with the most revolutionary atmosphere of all the states. Here took place different war events. Which caused a before and after in this brutal episode of Mexican history. Check out our tour: Copper Canyon in Mexico by Train Chepe Tour.
Cuernavaca, Morelos
General Emiliano Zapata lived and fought some of his most important battles before being assassinated. There are different historical places of the Mexican Revolution and Zapata’s life, such as the old Hotel Moctezuma and the Museum of the Hacienda de San Juan Chinameca. The place where Zapata was ambushed to assassinate him. Check out our Cuernavaca Tour: Gems of the Eternal Spring State (4 Days ).
Puebla, Puebla
The city of Puebla is one of the most important places of the Mexican Revolution since it can be considered that the movement began in this city. Here lived the Serdan brothers, who formed an operations center in their house to plan a coup against Porfirio Díaz in the name of Francisco Madero. Check out our tour: Cholula y Puebla Private Tour from Mexico City.
Queretaro, Queretaro
In 1917, the Constitutionalist Congress met in the then-Iturbide Theater. Today, the theater’s name is the Theater of the Republic, to promulgate the Mexican Constitution of February 5th. Check out our Private Tour to Queretaro from Mexico City.
The Theater is still one of the most important stages of the Mexican Revolution. It is open to the public daily and is still in operation, as it is home to the Philharmonic Orchestra of Queretaro and hosts various cultural and political events.
Conclusion
The Mexican Revolution was a very important event in the country’s history. It started because people were unhappy with how Porfirio Díaz ruled for many years. Many people, like Francisco Madero, Pancho Villa, and Emiliano Zapata, fought for change. They wanted more rights, land for farmers, and a better life for everyone. This revolution was not just about battles. It also changed the way people thought and lived. Women helped in many ways during the war and they were not only nurses but also fighters and spies. Artists like Diego Rivera and Frida Kahlo shared their thoughts through paintings.
Even writers and filmmakers made books and movies to tell the story. Today, you can still feel the history in many parts of Mexico. Places like the Monument to the Revolution in Mexico City or museums in Cuernavaca and Puebla help people learn about this time. When you visit these places, it feels like going back in time. It is a good way to remember what happened and why it matters.
The Mexican Revolution was long and hard, but it helped build the Mexico we know today. It gave people more voice and started many changes in laws and society. The Constitution of 1917 is one of the most important results of this movement. If you want to understand Mexico better, November 20 is a great time to learn. You can read, watch movies, or even visit important places from the revolution. History is not just in books—it lives in the streets, buildings, and people of Mexico.
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