Zapatistas and the Web
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Zapatistas and the Web
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Brief History Since the Spanish first invaded Mexico’s shores, there have been rebellions by the indigenous population. The history of the Zapatista movement begins with Emiliano Zapata, a peasant who, in 1910 became one of the prominent figures in a large indigenous uprising. The beliefs of Zapata never died, as others continued to resist the Mexican government. On January 1, 1994, the EZLN (Ejército Zapatista de Liberación Nacional), a group that had never before been heard of, seized control of a large portion of Chiapas, Mexico. Since this date, the EZLN and the Government of Mexico have been in a state of war. This army is comprised of the local indigenous population who follow in the footsteps of Zapata. They are fighting for the basic rights and freedoms that we, as Canadians, often take for granted. The Zapatista army is led by Subcomandante Marcos, a man who has become a sort of icon for the rebellion. Though he has never shown his face in public, people recognize him. Marcos is a mestizo, or mixed-blood. He is educated in western culture and speaks at least four different languages. It was he who brought the Zapatista struggle into the spotlight by making information available on the internet. Though nobody knows his true identity, this man is one of the most important figures in this struggle.
A Timeline of Zapatista Resistance On New Year’s Day 1994,the Zapatista Rebel Movement took control of the towns of San Cristobal de las Casas, Ocosingo, Altamirano and Las Margaritas. The occupation occurred the same day as NAFTA took effect as the indigenous believed trade liberalization weakened Mexico’s sovereignty and eroded Indigenous rights. The Mexican government reacted by moving the army into their towns and instilling fear into communities. Many Zapatista and non- Zapatista towns were bombed by the air force. On January 5 the Mexican government took back the four rebel occupied towns under brutal violence which resulted in 400 deaths. The surge of violence displaces 35 thousand campesinos seeking refuge. The world watches these human rights infractions and Mexico undergoes a political and economic crisis. Although the EZLN is outgunned it gains the political advantage as the Zapatista leader becomes a world figure and hero to many Mexicans. Peace negotiations begin on January 21. An agreement on social and economic reforms in the state of Chiapas is signed on March 2. The seemingly victorious EZLN sparks other democratic movements among Indians in other states in Mexico with actions such as massive demonstrations.
The Causes of the Indian Uprising The in equal distribution of wealth and land in Mexico especially in the southern state of Chiapas. Poverty, lack of education, clean water and infrastructure as well as women’s issues and racism. Landlord and Tenant conflict The general oppression of Indians since the Spanish arrival.
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