Plans of San Luis Potosi and Ayala

Plan of San Luis Potosi

Author: Francisco I. Madero
Date: October 5, 1910

Key Points:

• Context:

  • Mexicans were experiencing tyranny that was intolerable post-independence.
  • Comparison between imposed peace and a tyrannical regime enriching a few at the cost of the nation.
  • General Porfirio Diaz's dictatorship subverted legislative and judicial powers, leading to widespread discontent.

• Political Organization:

  • Emergence of the National Antireelectionist Party advocating "Effective Suffrage and No Reelection."
  • Madero and Dr. Francisco Vázquez Gómez were chosen as presidential and vice-presidential candidates, respectively.

• Election Fraud:

  • General Diaz manipulated the electoral process, arresting Madero, leading to fraudulent elections.

• Call to Action:

  • Madero declared the recent elections illegal and assumed provisional presidency.
  • Advocated for armed uprising on November 20, 1910, to remove Diaz and restore democracy.

• Proposals:

  • Nullify the fraudulent elections.
  • Redistribution of lands taken illegally from indigenous people.
  • Uphold constitutional principles against reelection.

Plan of Ayala

Author: Emiliano Zapata
Date: November 25, 1911

Key Points:

• Purpose:

  • Address failure of Francisco I. Madero to fulfill promises of the revolution initiated by the Plan of San Luis.
  • Declare Madero inept and a traitor due to failing to implement "Effective Suffrage and No Reelection."

• Revolutionary Leadership:

  • Call for General Pascual Orozco or Emiliano Zapata as leaders if Madero is deposed.

• Land Reforms:

  • Redistribution of lands, timber, and water to original owners and Mexican citizens.
  • Expropriation of a third of monopolized lands for public benefit.

• Political Stance:

  • Opposition to Madero's alliances with cientificos, landlords, and oppressive parties.
  • Madero accused of betraying the Mexican people and the revolution.

• Implementation:

  • Establishment of tribunals for property disputes post-revolution.
  • Continued resistance until dictatorial elements are overthrown.

• Concluding Call:

  • Urge Mexicans to support the plan for national prosperity.

Signatories: Included Emiliano Zapata and other major revolutionary leaders.