Foreign control

Definition

Foreign control refers to the dominance or influence exerted by a foreign power over the political, economic, or social affairs of another country. In the context of the Mexican Revolution, it was a critical factor that spurred revolutionary sentiments among Mexicans, as foreign interests significantly impacted Mexico’s resources and governance.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, foreign control in Mexico was largely characterized by extensive investments from American and European companies, particularly in oil and mining sectors.
2. Foreign companies often received favorable treatment from the Mexican government, leading to growing resentment among local populations who felt marginalized and exploited.
3. The Porfirio Díaz regime was heavily supported by foreign investors, which contributed to significant social inequality and unrest in the country.
4. The nationalization of industries during and after the Mexican Revolution was a direct response to foreign control, aimed at reclaiming resources for national development.
5. Revolutionary leaders like Francisco I. Madero and Emiliano Zapata advocated for land reforms and reduced foreign influence, highlighting the call for sovereignty over national resources.

Review Questions

• How did foreign control contribute to the social and economic conditions that led to the Mexican Revolution?
  • Foreign control played a significant role in creating social and economic disparities in Mexico. As foreign companies dominated key industries, wealth became concentrated in the hands of a few elites, while many Mexicans remained impoverished. This inequality fostered resentment and unrest among the populace, ultimately contributing to widespread calls for reform and revolution as citizens sought to reclaim their rights and resources from foreign dominance.
• Analyze how revolutionary leaders addressed issues of foreign control in their movements during the Mexican Revolution.
  • Revolutionary leaders recognized that foreign control was deeply intertwined with the exploitation of Mexican resources and labor. They proposed various reforms aimed at reducing this influence, such as land redistribution, nationalization of industries, and policies to protect workers' rights. By prioritizing these issues, leaders like Madero and Zapata sought not only to challenge the existing power structures but also to empower ordinary Mexicans against foreign exploitation.
• Evaluate the long-term effects of foreign control on Mexico's political landscape following the revolution.
  • The long-term effects of foreign control on Mexico's political landscape have been profound. After the revolution, there were significant efforts to curtail foreign influence through nationalization policies and land reforms. However, neocolonial practices persisted in various forms, affecting Mexico's economic sovereignty. The ongoing tensions between maintaining national interests versus accommodating foreign investments continue to shape Mexico's political debates and policies even today.

Related terms

Imperialism:

The policy or practice of extending a country's power and influence through colonization, military force, or other means.

Neocolonialism: A form of indirect control where foreign powers maintain influence over developing countries through economic and political pressures rather than direct military or political control.

Exploitation: The act of using someone or something unfairly for one's own advantage, often seen in the context of labor and natural resources in foreign-controlled regions.