By the mid-19th century, Mexico entered a period of reform under President Benito Juárez, who pursued liberal changes that emphasized secularism and land redistribution. This era was disrupted by the French intervention in 1862, which established a foreign-backed empire under Emperor Maximilian I. His rule was short-lived, and Juárez regained control, symbolizing a return to republican ideals.
At the turn of the 20th century, Mexico was governed by Porfirio Díaz, whose long presidency brought modernization but also economic inequality and authoritarianism. These tensions exploded in the Mexican Revolution (1910-1920), a decade-long conflict that led to the creation of the 1917 Constitution, still in force today. The revolution sparked significant social and economic reforms, including land redistribution and workers' rights, shaping modern Mexican identity and politics.
Throughout the 20th century, Mexico experienced economic growth but also faced challenges such as social inequality, corruption, and political centralization. The ruling Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI) dominated Mexican politics for much of the century. However, democratic reforms in the 1990s led to political pluralism, with the first opposition president elected in 2000.
In recent decades, Mexico has faced complex issues like drug-related violence, economic challenges, and migration pressures. Despite these struggles, Mexico has remained a cultural powerhouse, with its music, art, and culinary traditions celebrated globally. The country’s vibrant cultural heritage and resilient people continue to shape Mexico as it navigates a dynamic and challenging 21st century.
