Mexican Movement of 1968

Quick Facts: Who was Mexican Movement of 1968?

Subject:

Mexican Movement of 1968

Known for:

A pivotal social movement demanding democracy and an end to authoritarianism in Mexico.

Verified Source:

2Day Chrono-Wiki & Primary Historical Archives

Origins & Early Life

The Mexican Movement of 1968, also known as the Mexican Student Movement (Movimiento Estudiantil) was a social movement composed of a broad coalition of students from Mexico's leading universities that garnered widespread public support for political change in Mexico. A major factor in its emergence publicly was the Mexican government's lavish spending to build Olympic facilities for the 1968 Olympics in Mexico City. The movement demanded greater political freedoms and an end to the authoritarianism of the PRI regime, which had been in power since 1929. Student mobilization on the campuses of the National Autonomous University of Mexico, National Polytechnic Institute, El Colegio de México, Chapingo Autonomous University, Ibero-American University, Universidad La Salle and Meritorious Autonomous University of Puebla, among others created the National Strike Council. Its efforts to mobilize Mexican people for broad changes in national life was supported by many sectors of Mexican civil society, including workers, peasants, housewives, merchants, intellectuals, artists, and teachers.

Career & Major Achievements

The movement had a list of demands for Mexican president Gustavo Díaz Ordaz and the government of Mexico for specific student issues as well as broader ones, especially the reduction or elimination of authoritarianism. Simultaneous with the movement in Mexico and influencing it were global protests of 1968. Demands in Mexico were for a democratic change in the country, more political and civil liberties, the reduction of inequality and the resignation of the government of the ruling Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI) that they considered authoritarian and by then had governed Mexico since 1929, with only weak political opposition. The political movement was violently suppressed by the government following a series of mass demonstrations and culminating in a massacre of participants in a peaceful demonstration on 2 October 1968, known as the Tlatelolco massacre. There were lasting changes in Mexican political and cultural life because of the 1968 mobilization.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

For several years prior to the protests, Mexico had experienced a period of strong economic performance called the Mexican miracle, which Antonio Ortiz Mena, the Finance Minister, called "the stabilizing development" (El Desarrollo Estabilizador). The currency was stable, the buying power of wages increased by 6.4%, and the government had a low external debt, which allowed the government to preserve fiscal responsibility. However, there was worker unrest before 1968, including a strike by oil workers under President Miguel Alemán that was put down by the army, as well as a railway workers strike under President Adolfo López Mateos that was ended by military intervention under the direction of then Minister of the Interior Gustavo Díaz Ordaz. Most strikes and political opposition had been from workers and peasants, but when Mexican medical doctors went on strike in 1964, the government was faced with middle-class professionals making demands of the government for better working conditions. Díaz Ordaz, now president of Mexico, refused to negotiate with the striking doctors, who caved under pressure.

Chronological Milestones & Life Events

1. 1929: 1929 Milestone — The movement demanded greater political freedoms and an end to the authoritarianism of the PRI regime, which had been in power since 1929.
2. 1964: 1964 Milestone — Most strikes and political opposition had been from workers and peasants, but when Mexican medical doctors went on strike in 1964, the government was faced with middle-class professionals making demands of the government for better working conditions.
3. 1968: 1968 Milestone — The Mexican Movement of 1968, also known as the Mexican Student Movement (Movimiento Estudiantil) was a social movement composed of a broad coalition of students from Mexico's leading universities that garnered widespread public support for political change in Mexico.

Notable Quotes by Mexican Movement of 1968

“No queremos Olimpiadas, queremos revolución” (1968)

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Mexican Movement of 1968

True or False: “The Mexican government's primary motivation for hosting the 1968 Olympics was to showcase Mexico's internal democratic reforms.”

Answer (FALSE ❌): The government viewed the Olympics as a means to raise Mexico's international profile and attract foreign investment, not primarily to showcase democracy.

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

• Abrar-ul-Haq — Historical peer (Born in 1968) (1968): Esteemed Pakistani singer, philanthropist, and former politician from Punjab.
• Adam McKay — Historical peer (Born in 1968) (1968): Acclaimed American filmmaker known for satirical comedies and high-profile adaptations.
• Abdel Halim Hafez — Historical peer (Born in 1929) (1929): Iconic Egyptian singer and actor, known as 'The Brown-Skinned Nightingale'.
• Adrienne Rich — Historical peer (Born in 1929) (1929): Influential American poet, essayist, and leading voice in feminist literary discourse.
• Abedi Pele — Historical peer (Born in 1964) (1964): Legendary Ghanaian footballer, celebrated for his attacking prowess and leadership.
• Adam Yauch — Historical peer (Born in 1964) (1964): Founding member of Beastie Boys; influential rapper, filmmaker, and Tibetan activist.

Frequently Asked Questions about Mexican Movement of 1968