Definition

Proper noun A major armed struggle and transformative political movement in Mexico that began in 1910, primarily aimed at overthrowing the long-standing dictatorship of Porfirio Díaz and addressing profound social inequalities, particularly land reform. It is characterized by its decentralized nature, involving various factions and leaders with differing ideologies.

Usage

This term is used to refer to the specific historical event and period of conflict in Mexico. * The Mexican Revolution fundamentally reshaped the country's political and social structures. * Scholars often debate the end date of the Mexican Revolution. * The causes of the Mexican Revolution included widespread discontent with the Porfiriato.

Advanced Usage

• The revolution is noted for its lack of a single, unifying ideology, instead being a "revolution with many faces."
• It is sometimes described as the first major social revolution of the 20th century, predating the Russian Revolution.

Variants and Related Words

• Revolutionary (adj/n): Relating to or a participant in the revolution. (e.g., , ).
• Post-revolutionary (adj): Referring to the period or policies after the revolution. (e.g., ).

Synonyms

• The Mexican War of Reform (Note: This is a different, earlier 19th-century conflict and is not a true synonym, but is sometimes confused by learners).
• The Mexican Civil War (Note: This term is sometimes used, but "Revolution" is the standard historical term as it implies a fight for systemic change, not just control of the government).

Related Phrases

• Slogans of the Revolution: Phrases like "Tierra y Libertad" (Land and Liberty) encapsulate core revolutionary demands.
• Constitution of 1917: The landmark document produced by the Mexican Revolution, establishing major social rights.

Related Idioms

• "The revolution devours its children": An idiom sometimes applied to the Mexican Revolution, referring to how many of its leaders, like Zapata and Villa, were eventually betrayed and killed.

Noun

1. a revolution for agrarian reforms led in northern Mexico by Pancho Villa and in southern Mexico by Emiliano Zapata (1910-1911)