Who are the Zapatistas? A group of Mexicans who
support improved rights & living conditions for Mexico’s indigenous people
In the late 1900s, the Zapatistas were known for harassment and sabotage against the government
Emiliano Zapata
1880-1919
Hero in the Mexican
revolution of 1914-1915Demanded
justice for the indigenous
people of Mexico
What is Guerrilla Warfare?
Sudden, unexpected acts of war carried about
by groups that fight using “hit and
run” tactics
Many terrorist groups use guerilla
warfare
Chiapas• Uprising is focused in the Mexican state
of Chiapas• It is a resource-rich state in southern
Mexico:– Produces over half of Mexico’s
hydroelectric power– 2nd largest petroleum producing state– Largest coffee exporting state
• So what’s the big deal there?...
What’s the Big Deal?
Chiapas has the worst poverty rates in
Mexico:
• Three-fourths of its people are malnourished; half live in dwellings with dirt floors
• 19% of the population has no income
• 39% earn less than minimum wage ($3/day)
Chiapas is a huge contributor to the
global economy (oil, coffee, hydroelectricity)
but getting little in return• Huge division
between rich & poor in the state
NAFTA & the Zapatistas…• 1994—North American Free Trade
Agreement: allowed free trade between US, Canada, & Mexico. No tariffs.
• Some people in Mexico did not like this plan:
– Thought that NAFTA would allow cheap farm imports to come into Mexico from the US
– Farmers in Mexico would not be able to compete with the cheaper food imports
NAFTA & the Zapatistas…
• On the day NAFTA took effect, the Zapatistas took over 7 towns in the state of Chiapas
• Mexican army was sent to remove the Zapatistas
• Fighting lasted for several weeks; a cease-fire eventually ended the fighting
• Zapatistas did not go away…
Zapatistas’ Concerns
• Agreements between the Zapatistas & the government have not solved the problems of the poor
• They argue that the indigenous people of Mexico need more help to improve healthcare, housing, education, and unemployment
Latest Developments
• Seven years after the 1st revolt, on March 11, 2001, the Zapatistas marched to Mexico City and addressed Congress
• Encouraged the passage of an Indigenous Rights Bill– Unfortunately, the bill was
unsuccessful due to Congress radically changing it and denying indigenous people certain rights
Latest Developments
• January 2003: Marched armed with machetes denouncing free trade policies (NAFTA)
• Have detained several foreigners in an effort to discourage foreign investors
Terrorist
• One who uses violence, (especially bombing, kidnapping, and assassination) to intimidate others for political purposes
Revolutionary
• Causing, supporting, or advocating revolution
• Seeking change usually in government
Zapitista School
• Zapitista School(Scroll down for video. It takes a few minutes to download)