On page 31 in your notebook, tell me what this quote means to you…
Transcript of On page 31 in your notebook, tell me what this quote means to you…
ZAPATISTA
SS6H3b. Explain the impact and political outcomes of the Zapatista guerilla movement in Mexico.
Zapatistas in Mexico!Topic Notes
Who was Emilio Zapata?
Who are the Zapatistas?
Why are they against NAFTA?
What did they do when NAFTA took effect?
What do they want today?
Emiliano Zapata was an early 20th-century activist for social justice in Mexico. He fought for better treatment and land for the poor, mostly Native American, farm workers in Mexico. He wanted better treatment for the people who were treated almost like slaves on the haciendas, and wanted them to be able to have their own land to work. This land had been taken from the Native Americans by the Spanish. Zapata once proclaimed, “It is better to die on your feet than to live on your knees.”
Turn to your partner and discuss what Zapata meant by these words.
Emiliano Zapata
Zapatistas entering Mexico City in 2001
Who are the Zapatistas? The Zapatistas are a group of Mexicans
who support improved rights and living conditions for Mexico’s indigenous people. In the late 20th century, the Zapatistas were known for harassment and sabotage against the government.
NAFTA
On January 1, 1994, the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) came into effect. This was an agreement to allow free trade between Canada, Mexico, and the United States. Some people in Mexico did not like this plan. They thought that NAFTA would allow cheap farm goods to come into Mexico from the United States. The farmers in Mexico would not be able to compete with the cheaper food. They feared this would put the owners of small Mexican farms and poor farm workers out of business.
On the day NAFTA took effect, January 1, 1994, a group of Mexicans called the Zapatistas took over several towns in their part of Mexico. The army was sent in to remove the Zapatistas. Fighting lasted for several weeks. A cease-fire finally ended the fighting. The Zapatistas did not go away, however.
Zapatistas Today
Agreements between the Zapatistas and the government have not solved the problems the people have with the government. The Zapatistas have control of some small parts of southern Mexico. The Zapatistas argue that the indigenous people of Mexico need more help to improve health care, housing, education, and jobs. The Zapatistas have formed friendships with groups in other countries that have similar goals.
Would a Zapatista agree with the message of this political cartoon? Write a chunk paragraph with at least two details
and commentaries supporting your answer.
Who wasEmiliano Zapata?
Who are theZapatistas?
Why are the Zapatistas against NAFTA?
What did the Zapatistas do when NAFTA took effect?
What do the Zapatistas want today?