Behind the Bastards: It Could Happen Here Weekly 183 Released on May 24, 2025 by Cool Zone Media and iHeartPodcasts

Overview

In episode 183 of Behind the Bastards, host Andrew Sage and guest Garrison Davis delve deep into the lesser-known yet pivotal role of anarchism in shaping Mexico's socio-political landscape during the 19th century. This comprehensive exploration uncovers the roots, struggles, and enduring legacy of anarchist movements that ultimately set the stage for the Mexican Revolution of 1910.

1. Introduction

Andrew Sage opens the discussion by highlighting the often-overlooked figures and ideologies that have significantly influenced Mexican history. He emphasizes the importance of understanding these anarchist movements to fully grasp the complexities leading up to the Mexican Revolution.

[03:02] Host Andrew Sage: "We have to start thousands of years before the name Mexico or Mexico even existed."

2. Pre-Colonial and Colonial Mexico

Sage provides a brief overview of Mexico's rich pre-colonial history, touching on the Olmecs, Maya, and Aztecs, setting the foundation for understanding the deep-rooted indigenous traditions that would later influence anarchist thought.

[04:10] Andrew Sage: "The Olmecs, often called the mother culture of Mesoamerica... then the Maya... and eventually the Aztecs."

The Spanish conquest in 1519 marked a drastic shift, leading to three centuries of colonial rule characterized by extraction, Catholic conversion, and the blending of indigenous, European, and African cultures.

3. Independence and Early Reforms

The early 19th century saw the rise of independence movements, spearheaded by figures like Miguel Hidalgo. Sage discusses Hidalgo's revolutionary ideas inspired by anarchist and socialist philosophies.

[06:45] Andrew Sage: "Hidalgo proposed to abolish... what he called in almost Proudhonian terms, the horrible right of territorial property."

The subsequent Leyes de Reforma under President Benito Juárez aimed to secularize education and redistribute church lands. However, these reforms inadvertently entrenched inequalities by privatizing communal indigenous lands.

4. Porfiriato Era: Modernization and Inequality

Porfirio Díaz's three-decade-long dictatorship modernized Mexico through infrastructure projects and economic development. Yet, this period also deepened social divides, suppressing dissent and exploiting laborers.

[12:00] Andrew Sage: "His slogan was pan opalo, the bread or the stick... sacrificing liberty for the benefit of these policies."

Díaz's regime favored wealthy elites and foreign investors, leading to widespread poverty among rural communities and fostering resentment that would fuel future revolutions.

5. Emergence of Anarchism: Constantino Ruricanati

The arrival of Constantino Ruricanati in 1861 marked a significant turn in Mexican anarchism. A Greek immigrant influenced by European utopian socialism, Ruricanati sought to integrate indigenous communal traditions with anarchist principles.

[15:30] Andrew Sage: "Ruricanati believed Mexico... was the perfect place to plant the seeds of a new utopian society."

He founded La Sociale, promoting mutualism, free association, and anti-capitalist cooperation through education and worker schools like the Escuela del Rayo y del Socialismo.

6. Resistance and Repression under Díaz

Ruricanati's efforts faced severe repression under Díaz's regime. Strikes and uprisings, though often violently suppressed, ignited a persistent resistance that kept anarchist ideas alive.

[20:45] Andrew Sage: "In June 1865, these resistance societies supported the first industrial strike in Mexico. Unfortunately, it was crushed by Emperor Maximilian."

Figures like Julio Chavez and Santiago Villanueva emerged from Ruricanati's movement, advocating for peasant rebellion and workers' rights, though they faced harsh reprisals, including executions and imprisonments.

7. Seeds of the Mexican Revolution

Despite continuous repression, anarchist and socialist ideas permeated Mexican society, laying the groundwork for the Mexican Revolution. The persistent struggle against internal and external oppressions showcased the resilience and determination of these movements.

[25:10] Andrew Sage: "By the time Magon was released from prison in 1886... his two decades of sowing seeds would eventually flourish in the Mexican Revolution."

The failure of Díaz's liberal reforms to address the deep-seated inequalities and the rise of reactionary forces created a volatile environment ripe for revolution.

8. Conclusion and Legacy

Sage concludes by reflecting on the enduring legacy of Mexican anarchism. While the 19th-century movements did not achieve their immediate goals, their influence persisted, contributing to the revolutionary fervor that would explode in 1910.

[26:00] Andrew Sage: "The ideas would live on like quiet sparks awaiting the next revolt."

The episode sets the stage for future discussions on how these historical movements culminated in the Mexican Revolution, emphasizing the interconnectedness of ideology, struggle, and historical necessity.

Notable Quotes

• [06:45] Andrew Sage: "Hidalgo proposed to abolish... what he called in almost Proudhonian terms, the horrible right of territorial property."

• [12:00] Andrew Sage: "His slogan was pan opalo, the bread or the stick... sacrificing liberty for the benefit of these policies."

• [15:30] Andrew Sage: "Ruricanati believed Mexico... was the perfect place to plant the seeds of a new utopian society."

• [20:45] Andrew Sage: "In June 1865, these resistance societies supported the first industrial strike in Mexico. Unfortunately, it was crushed by Emperor Maximilian."

• [25:10] Andrew Sage: "By the time Magon was released from prison in 1886... his two decades of sowing seeds would eventually flourish in the Mexican Revolution."

Conclusion

Episode 183 of Behind the Bastards offers a thorough and engaging examination of the anarchist movements in 19th-century Mexico, highlighting their challenges, contributions, and lasting impact on the nation's path to revolution. Through insightful discussion and compelling quotes, Sage and Davis illuminate a critical yet underappreciated chapter of history, providing listeners with a nuanced understanding of how these radical ideas influenced the broader socio-political transformations in Mexico.

For more episodes and detailed explorations of historical figures and events, subscribe to Behind the Bastards on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or your preferred podcast platform.