fuckyeahmarxismleninism:

Happy Birthday, Emiliano Zapata! 

Today marks the birth of one of Mexico’s most celebrated revolutionaries – Emiliano Zapata. Zapata was from Morelos, Mexico in the south of Mexico and was born to a family who was profoundly impacted by the massive land grabs during the Porfiriato (1830-1915). These events would shape Zapata’s ideologies and revolutionary spirit from a young age.

Zapata led the Ejército Libertador del Sur or the Liberation Army of the South. He amassed a group of approximately 27,000 peasants, primarily Indigenous and mestizo peasants, to fight during the Mexican Revolution (1910-1920).

Besides his charismatic leadership, what led many to Zapata’s army was his historical declarations in the ‘Plan de Ayala’. The 15-point platform was delivered in Ayala, Morelos on November 25, 1911 after President Madero took power upon the defeat of Diaz. Madero failed to fulfill his promises and continued repression of poor campesinos which promoted Zapata to deliver his plan. The most significant points in the declaration called for redistribution of lands to peasants, land reforms, and a nationalization of elite’s lands/resources. The ‘Plan de Ayala’ is where Zapata also wrote the phrase most commonly associated with him, “Reform, Liberty, Justice, and Law!” later shortened to “Land and Liberty!“.

Alongside Pancho Villa, Zapata successfully defeated the government of Madero and took Mexico City in 1914. During the time in the capital, Zapata reportedly refused to sit in the presidential chair. In fact, during most of his life, Zapata would refuse positions of power, instead choosing to lead a life away from politics after the triumph over Madero.

Zapata was then assassinated by federal troops in 1919 but remained a revolutionary hero in Mexico and throughout the world.

Via teleSUR English

fuckyeahmarxismleninism:

August 8, 1879: Happy birthday, Emiliano Zapata!

Today we remember the great Mexican revolutionary leader who was born 137 years ago.

Zapata was the leader of the farmers uprising that would go on to become the famous Mexican Revolution. Zapata led the struggle of the poor farmers deprived of land, against the power of the major hacienda owners and against the dictatorship of Porfirio Diaz.

Less known is that Zapata also led the rebellion of the rural workers that competed with the rebellion of the rural and urban ruling class. His fighters included many rural workers, but also the “peones” or hands of the farm, domestics, and even miners, to a point that the ruling class then considered replacing their labor force with foreign workers.

Despite his prominent role in the guerrilla movement, Zapata was not a mere military leader: He never wished his army to rule the country, and steadily fought for political democracy. He was also cautious in maintaining military subordination to civil rule, the reason why he refused to take power in the state of Morelos, and the reason why he left the state of Mexico although he had won the battle.

Zapata defended socialism and social justice, with Lenin’s model of revolution in mind, as the Russian Revolution was then contemporary to the Mexican one. For instance, he imposed a fair distribution of wealth and power in the state of Morelos.

Federal forces ambushed and shot Zapata twice, in their assassination on April 10, 1919. His body was then exposed in the town of Cuautla. Almost a century later, the “Zapatista movement” of mostly rural indigenous farmers in the southern Mexican state of Chiapas was born. The movement, which switched from military offensives to a battle of communication in order to win international and domestic opinion, has achieved certain successes like the implementation of gender equality and equal access to public health.

Via teleSUR English

thedemsocialist:

Emiliano Zapata 

phroyd:

Let There Be No Peace This Political Convention Season!

Phroyd

fuckyeahmarxismleninism:

Today in history: April 10, 1919 – Mexican revolutionary leader Emiliano Zapata is ambushed and killed by a Mexican military colonel who tricked Zapata into meeting with him to supposedly arrange for the colonel’s defection to Zapata’s side. 

Zapata was a leading figure in the Mexican Revolution which broke out in 1910. He formed and commanded the Liberation Army of the South. He wrote the Plan of Ayala which raised the cry of “Tierra y Libertad!” (Land and freedom!). Zapata is still revered today. At marches the chant can often be heard, “Zapata vive - la lucha sigue!” (Zapata lives - the struggle continues!)

Via Freedom Road Socialist Organization (Fight Back!)

thinkmexican:

“If there is no justice for the people, may there be no peace for the government” - Emiliano Zapata

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