Causes of Zapata's Leadership:
1. Exploitation of Peasants: The indigenous peasants, known as campesinos, were subjected to harsh working conditions and exploitation on the haciendas (large estates) owned by wealthy landowners and foreign companies. Zapata advocated for the redistribution of land to the campesinos who had historically worked it.
2. Land Reform: Zapata believed that land ownership was essential for the liberation and prosperity of the peasantry. He fought to regain communal lands (ejidos) that had been taken from indigenous communities during the colonial era and during Díaz's rule.
3. Social Justice: Zapata sought social justice and equality for the marginalized peasantry who faced discrimination and limited opportunities. He fought against the prevailing class structure and advocated for improved living conditions for rural communities.
How Zapata Led the Revolution:
1. Plan of Ayala: In 1911, Zapata issued the Plan of Ayala, a manifesto outlining his goals for the revolution. It called for the restoration of land to peasants, the removal of Díaz, and the establishment of a new revolutionary government.
2. Guerrilla Warfare: Zapata employed guerrilla warfare tactics to challenge the federal army and hacienda owners. He organized a peasant army, known as the Ejército Libertador del Sur (Liberation Army of the South), and launched surprise attacks, disrupting the government's control in rural areas.
3. Peasant Mobilization: Zapata's charismatic leadership inspired and mobilized thousands of campesinos to join the revolutionary cause. His call for land reform resonated deeply with the rural population, making him a symbol of agrarian resistance and social change.
4. Collaboration with Madero: Initially, Zapata supported Francisco I. Madero, another leader of the revolution. However, after Madero's victory and subsequent failure to fulfill his promises of agrarian reform, Zapata and his forces broke with Madero's government and continued fighting.
5. Alliance with Pancho Villa: Zapata formed an alliance with Pancho Villa, another revolutionary leader, to challenge the forces loyal to the regime of Victoriano Huerta, who had overthrown Madero. This alliance became known as the "Ejército Constitucionalista" (Constitutionalist Army).
6. Legacy: Although Zapata was assassinated in 1919, his influence on the revolution and subsequent land reforms in Mexico cannot be overstated. His leadership and unwavering commitment to social justice inspired future generations and left a lasting impact on Mexican society and politics.
Emiliano Zapata's leadership during the Mexican Revolution was fueled by his concern for the plight of peasants, his dedication to land reform, and his pursuit of social justice. His strategies, including guerrilla warfare and mobilization of the rural population, played a crucial role in reshaping the country's political landscape and contributing to the establishment of a new social and political order in Mexico.