Export your learner materials as an interactive game, a webpage, or FAQ style cheatsheet.
Unsaved Work Found!
It looks like you have unsaved work from a previous session. Would you like to restore it?
Total Categories: 5
Before assuming the presidency, Lázaro Cárdenas was primarily known for his extensive career as a diplomat in European capitals.
Answer: False
Prior to his presidency, Cárdenas distinguished himself as a general in the Mexican Revolution and served as Governor of Michoacán, rather than pursuing a diplomatic career in Europe.
Lázaro Cárdenas del Río was born in Mexico City in 1905 to a family of considerable industrial wealth.
Answer: False
Lázaro Cárdenas was born in Jiquilpan, Michoacán, in 1895, to a family of working-class background, not in Mexico City to wealthy industrialists.
Prior to his involvement in the Mexican Revolution, Lázaro Cárdenas concluded his formal education at age eleven and subsequently held positions as a tax collector and printer's apprentice.
Answer: True
Cárdenas left formal schooling at a young age and worked in various capacities, including as a tax collector and printer's devil, before joining the revolutionary movement.
Lázaro Cárdenas joined the Mexican Revolution following Victoriano Huerta's coup against President Francisco Madero in 1913, not after the overthrow of Venustiano Carranza in 1914.
Answer: True
Cárdenas entered the revolutionary conflict after Victoriano Huerta's usurpation of power from Francisco Madero in 1913. The overthrow of Venustiano Carranza occurred later, in 1920.
While serving as Chief of Military Operations in the Huasteca region, Lázaro Cárdenas observed foreign oil companies operating with significant tax exemptions and treating the area as if it were occupied territory.
Answer: True
Cárdenas's experiences in the oil-producing Huasteca region exposed him to the practices of foreign companies, including tax avoidance and extraterritorial conduct.
As Governor of Michoacán during the Cristero War, Lázaro Cárdenas mobilized agrarian leagues and public school teachers to counter the influence of the Catholic Church.
Answer: True
During his governorship, Cárdenas formed alliances with agrarian and labor groups to establish a counterforce against the Church's influence amidst the Cristero conflict.
During his governorship, Lázaro Cárdenas opposed land reform and favored the consolidation of large haciendas, contrary to President Calles's views.
Answer: False
As governor, Cárdenas prioritized land reform by expropriating haciendas and creating *ejidos*, a stance that contrasted with President Calles's later disillusionment with the program.
Contrary to relying solely on radio broadcasts, Lázaro Cárdenas's 1934 presidential campaign was distinguished by extensive travel across Mexico, facilitating direct engagement with the electorate.
Answer: True
Lázaro Cárdenas's 1934 presidential campaign was characterized by significant travel, covering approximately 25,000 kilometers, which allowed for direct interaction with voters across the nation.
What event directly prompted Lázaro Cárdenas to join the Mexican Revolution?
Answer: The assassination of Francisco Madero by Victoriano Huerta.
Cárdenas was drawn into the revolutionary conflict following Victoriano Huerta's coup against President Francisco Madero in 1913.
Who is identified as Lázaro Cárdenas's ideological mentor, and who was his political protégé?
Answer: Francisco J. Múgica and Plutarco Elías Calles, respectively.
General Francisco J. Múgica served as Lázaro Cárdenas's ideological mentor, advocating for socialist principles, while Plutarco Elías Calles was a political figure who influenced Cárdenas and whom Cárdenas later politically outmaneuvered.
What significant observation did Lázaro Cárdenas make about foreign oil companies while serving in the Huasteca region?
Answer: They operated with minimal government oversight and treated the region as foreign territory.
Cárdenas observed that foreign oil companies in the Huasteca region exerted considerable control, often operating with minimal regard for Mexican law and sovereignty.
Why was Lázaro Cárdenas's 1934 presidential campaign considered unique?
Answer: It involved extensive travel across Mexico to connect directly with voters.
Lázaro Cárdenas's 1934 presidential campaign was characterized by significant travel, covering approximately 25,000 kilometers, which allowed for direct interaction with voters across the nation.
How did Lázaro Cárdenas's approach to land reform as governor contrast with President Calles's later views?
Answer: Cárdenas prioritized land reform, while Calles had become disillusioned with the program.
As governor, Cárdenas actively pursued land reform, whereas President Calles later expressed skepticism regarding the efficacy and implementation of such programs.
The presidency of Lázaro Cárdenas was notably characterized by extensive land reform initiatives, the expropriation of the petroleum industry, and substantial support for Spanish Republican exiles.
Answer: True
Cárdenas's administration is renowned for its significant land redistribution programs, the nationalization of the oil industry, and its humanitarian efforts in providing refuge to Spanish Republicans fleeing the Civil War.
Upon assuming office, Lázaro Cárdenas reduced his presidential salary and converted the official residence into a museum, demonstrating a commitment to austerity and public service.
Answer: True
Cárdenas implemented personal austerity measures, including halving his salary and repurposing the presidential residence, symbolizing his dedication to public welfare over personal gain.
Lázaro Cárdenas's land reform program redistributed approximately 180,000 km² of land, primarily benefiting peasant communities through the establishment of *ejidos*, not large landowners.
Answer: True
The extensive land reform enacted under Cárdenas redistributed approximately 180,000 km² of land, predominantly to peasant collectives (*ejidos*), fundamentally altering the structure of large landholdings.
Lázaro Cárdenas strengthened peasant and labor organizations like the CTM and CNC, integrating them into the ruling party's sectoral structure, which provided them access to state resources but also limited their autonomy.
Answer: True
Cárdenas institutionalized major labor and peasant confederations within the ruling party, balancing their influence with state control and presidential arbitration.
While Lázaro Cárdenas nationalized the railway system and the petroleum industry, he did not nationalize the mining industry or the banking sector during his presidency.
Answer: True
Key nationalizations during Cárdenas's presidency included the railway system in 1937 and the petroleum industry in 1938. The mining and banking sectors were not nationalized during his term.
The 1938 oil expropriation, while asserting Mexican sovereignty, resulted in significant international condemnation and diplomatic backlash, rather than immediate approval or a boost in foreign investment.
Answer: True
The expropriation of the oil industry in 1938 provoked strong condemnation and diplomatic opposition from foreign governments, particularly those whose companies were affected.
While Lázaro Cárdenas significantly supported higher education and established the National Polytechnic Institute (IPN), he did not establish the National University of Mexico (UNAM), which predates his presidency.
Answer: True
The National University of Mexico (UNAM) was founded in 1910. Cárdenas's administration did, however, establish the National Polytechnic Institute (IPN) in 1938.
The *Comité Regulador del Mercado de Subsistencias* (CRMS) was established to stabilize prices and ensure the availability of essential goods by opening state-subsidized shops, not by increasing taxes.
Answer: True
The CRMS aimed to combat inflation and shortages by providing essential goods at subsidized prices through state-operated stores.
Lázaro Cárdenas abolished capital punishment in Mexico during his presidency, establishing a policy that has remained in effect.
Answer: True
Cárdenas's administration enacted the abolition of capital punishment, a reform that has persisted in Mexican law.
Andrés Molina Enríquez, considered the intellectual father of Article 27 of the Mexican Constitution, was invited by Cárdenas to help implement land reform in Yucatán, although he was unable to go due to illness.
Answer: True
Molina Enríquez, a key theorist of agrarian reform, was consulted by Cárdenas regarding land redistribution policies, underscoring the intellectual underpinnings of the administration's reforms.
Lázaro Cárdenas's administration implemented regulations for industrial hygiene, including mandatory dust-exhaust apparatus and medical services in factories, alongside provisions for crèches.
Answer: True
Cárdenas's government enacted measures to improve workplace safety and health, reflecting a commitment to labor welfare beyond basic wages.
Which of the following was a major policy implemented during Lázaro Cárdenas's presidency?
Answer: Massive land redistribution and creation of *ejidos*.
A cornerstone of Cárdenas's presidency was the extensive redistribution of land, primarily through the establishment of *ejidos*, which were collectively managed agricultural communities.
What was the primary purpose of the Six-Year Plan drafted under Lázaro Cárdenas's administration?
Answer: To dismantle the hacienda system, promote secular education, and reduce the Church's influence.
The Six-Year Plan outlined a comprehensive agenda for social and economic reform, including agrarian restructuring, educational expansion, and the limitation of clerical influence.
Which major industry did Lázaro Cárdenas nationalize in 1938, leading to the creation of Pemex?
Answer: The petroleum industry
In 1938, Cárdenas enacted the expropriation of the petroleum industry, transferring control from foreign companies to the state and establishing Petróleos Mexicanos (Pemex).
What was the significance of the *Comité Regulador del Mercado de Subsistencias* (CRMS)?
Answer: To control prices of essential goods by opening state-subsidized shops.
The CRMS aimed to combat inflation and shortages by providing essential goods at subsidized prices through state-operated stores.
What was the international reaction to Mexico's 1938 oil expropriation?
Answer: Strong condemnation and diplomatic backlash from foreign governments.
The expropriation of the oil industry in 1938 provoked strong condemnation and diplomatic opposition from foreign governments, particularly those whose companies were affected.
What did Lázaro Cárdenas's administration do to improve worker welfare in factories?
Answer: Introduced regulations for industrial hygiene, medical services, and crèches.
Cárdenas's government enacted measures to improve workplace safety and health, reflecting a commitment to labor welfare beyond basic wages.
Lázaro Cárdenas's presidency concluded the period known as the Maximato in Mexican political history.
Answer: True
Lázaro Cárdenas's term as president (1934-1940) marked the end of the Maximato, a period of significant political influence wielded by former president Plutarco Elías Calles.
Plutarco Elías Calles was Lázaro Cárdenas's political protégé, while General Francisco J. Múgica served as his ideological mentor.
Answer: True
The provided source material indicates that Plutarco Elías Calles was a political figure who influenced Cárdenas, with Cárdenas being his protégé. Conversely, General Francisco J. Múgica is identified as Cárdenas's ideological mentor.
Lázaro Cárdenas consolidated his presidential authority by orchestrating the exile of Plutarco Elías Calles, who had been a political mentor, and by restructuring the ruling party into a corporatist model based on functional sectors.
Answer: True
Cárdenas effectively asserted his control by exiling Calles and fundamentally reorganizing the ruling party (PNR) into the PRM, structured around key societal sectors.
The incorporation of the military as a sector within the PRM was intended to subordinate its political power to civilian leadership and reduce its historical tendency towards independent intervention, not to enhance its power or independence.
Answer: True
Cárdenas's strategy in incorporating the military into the PRM was to integrate it into the party structure under civilian control, thereby diminishing its independent political influence.
Lázaro Cárdenas reorganized the ruling party into the Partido de la Revolución Mexicana (PRM), structured around four sectors: labor, peasants, the middle class (comprising government employees), and the military. The inclusion of 'industry owners' as a distinct sector is inaccurate.
Answer: True
The Partido de la Revolución Mexicana (PRM), established by Cárdenas, was organized into four sectors: labor, peasants, the popular sector (government employees), and the military.
The incorporation of the military as a sector within the PRM was intended to subordinate its political power to civilian leadership and reduce its historical tendency towards independent intervention, not to enhance its power or independence.
Answer: True
Cárdenas's strategy in incorporating the military into the PRM was to integrate it into the party structure under civilian control, thereby diminishing its independent political influence.
Lázaro Cárdenas peacefully relinquished presidential power to his elected successor in 1940, establishing a significant precedent for democratic succession in Mexico.
Answer: True
Cárdenas's voluntary departure from the presidency after his term set a crucial precedent for peaceful transitions of power, reinforcing democratic norms.
The revolt led by Saturnino Cedillo in 1938-1939 was successfully suppressed by the federal government, marking the end of the era of powerful regional military leaders maintaining private armies.
Answer: True
The federal government's successful suppression of the Cedillo revolt demonstrated the consolidation of state power and the decline of autonomous regional military strongmen.
The PRM's sectoral representation model, established by Lázaro Cárdenas, was retained when the party was reorganized into the Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI) in 1946, influencing Mexican politics for decades.
Answer: True
The corporatist structure of the PRM, with its sectoral organization, provided the foundational framework for the subsequent PRI, which dominated Mexican politics for much of the 20th century.
How did Lázaro Cárdenas handle the relationship between the military and the government during his presidency?
Answer: He sought to subordinate the military to civilian control by incorporating it as one sector within the ruling party.
By integrating the military as one of four sectors in the Partido de la Revolución Mexicana (PRM), Cárdenas aimed to diminish its independent political influence and ensure civilian oversight.
How was the ruling party reorganized by Lázaro Cárdenas to form the Partido de la Revolución Mexicana (PRM)?
Answer: Into four sectors: labor, peasants, the middle class, and the military.
The Partido de la Revolución Mexicana (PRM), established by Cárdenas, was organized into four sectors: labor, peasants, the popular sector (government employees), and the military.
What precedent did Lázaro Cárdenas set regarding presidential power transition?
Answer: He peacefully relinquished presidential power to his elected successor.
Cárdenas's voluntary departure from the presidency after his term set a crucial precedent for peaceful transitions of power, reinforcing democratic norms.
What was the consequence of Lázaro Cárdenas's political maneuvering against Plutarco Elías Calles?
Answer: Calles was forced into exile, and Cárdenas replaced his loyalists in the cabinet.
Cárdenas effectively asserted his control by exiling Calles and fundamentally reorganizing the ruling party (PNR) into the PRM, structured around key societal sectors.
What was the significance of Lázaro Cárdenas crushing the Saturnino Cedillo revolt?
Answer: It demonstrated the consolidation of the reorganized Mexican state and the end of powerful private armies.
The federal government's successful suppression of the Cedillo revolt demonstrated the consolidation of state power and the decline of autonomous regional military strongmen.
Lázaro Cárdenas's residence, known as 'La Quinta Eréndira,' was named in honor of the Purépecha princess Eréndira, a symbol of indigenous resistance, and was adorned with murals celebrating indigenous culture.
Answer: True
The house 'La Quinta Eréndira' reflected Cárdenas's ideals through its naming and artistic decoration, which celebrated indigenous heritage and promoted regional identity.
Lázaro Cárdenas initially repealed anticlerical laws and fostered a cooperative relationship with the Catholic Church, despite his personal atheism.
Answer: True
Cárdenas moderated the intense anticlericalism of previous administrations, seeking a more pragmatic relationship with the Church while maintaining secular governance.
Mexico provided substantial refuge and support to Spanish Republicans fleeing the Civil War, a policy that significantly contributed to Mexico's cultural and intellectual enrichment.
Answer: True
Mexico welcomed thousands of Spanish refugees, many of whom became prominent intellectuals and artists, profoundly influencing Mexican society and culture.
Although Lázaro Cárdenas supported the amendment for women's suffrage, it was not successfully implemented nationwide during his term, with full voting rights being achieved later in 1953.
Answer: True
Lázaro Cárdenas was an advocate for women's suffrage, but the constitutional amendment granting women the right to vote nationwide was ultimately passed in 1953, after his presidency.
Mexico's 1940 drug policy, enacted under Cárdenas, adopted a public health approach, decriminalizing small quantities of drugs and allowing for medical prescription, rather than strictly criminalizing all possession and trafficking.
Answer: True
The 1940 Federal Regulation on Drug Addictions represented a unique public health approach, focusing on decriminalization of minor offenses and medical treatment rather than strict criminalization.
The 1940 drug policy was repealed after a short period, not due to public outcry against leniency, but rather due to resource shortages exacerbated by World War II and political pressure from the United States.
Answer: True
The 1940 drug policy was repealed within five months, primarily attributed to resource constraints related to World War II and diplomatic pressure from the United States.
The Department of Indigenous Affairs (DAI), established under Cárdenas, primarily focused on addressing the economic and educational challenges faced by indigenous populations and defending their communities, rather than solely preserving languages and cultural traditions.
Answer: True
The Department of Indigenous Affairs (DAI) prioritized economic and educational development for indigenous communities and their defense, alongside cultural preservation efforts.
Despite Lázaro Cárdenas's efforts to foster solidarity and influence in Latin America, no other nation fully emulated his radical agrarian and economic policies.
Answer: True
While Cárdenas engaged in diplomatic efforts to promote his reformist agenda in Latin America, the specific radical policies implemented in Mexico did not find widespread replication elsewhere.
Lázaro Cárdenas's foreign policy was characterized by active engagement with international political movements and solidarity, notably through support for the Spanish Republic and granting asylum to Leon Trotsky, rather than isolationism.
Answer: True
Cárdenas pursued an active foreign policy, demonstrating solidarity through support for refugees and political exiles, contradicting any notion of isolationism.
The stated goal of the 1940 Federal Regulation on Drug Addictions was to treat addiction as a public health issue with controlled access and medical attention, rather than to increase penalties for drug offenses.
Answer: True
The 1940 regulation aimed to decriminalize certain drug-related activities and provide medical treatment, diverging from a punitive approach.
How did Mexico support the Spanish Republic during the Spanish Civil War?
Answer: By offering significant financial aid and weapons sales, and refuge to refugees.
Mexico provided crucial support to the Spanish Republic through arms sales, financial assistance, and by offering asylum to numerous refugees fleeing the conflict.
What was the outcome regarding women's suffrage during Lázaro Cárdenas's presidency?
Answer: Cárdenas supported the amendment, but it was blocked by opponents and not achieved until 1953.
Lázaro Cárdenas was an advocate for women's suffrage, but the constitutional amendment granting women the right to vote nationwide was ultimately passed in 1953, after his presidency.
What was unique about Mexico's drug policy enacted in 1940 under Lázaro Cárdenas?
Answer: It decriminalized small quantities of drugs and allowed medical prescription of narcotics.
The 1940 Federal Regulation on Drug Addictions represented a unique public health approach, focusing on decriminalization of minor offenses and medical treatment rather than strict criminalization.
What was the primary focus of the Department of Indigenous Affairs (DAI) established during Lázaro Cárdenas's term?
Answer: Addressing economic and educational problems of indigenous populations and defending their communities.
The Department of Indigenous Affairs (DAI) prioritized economic and educational development for indigenous communities and their defense, alongside cultural preservation efforts.
How did Lázaro Cárdenas's house, 'La Quinta Eréndira,' reflect his ideals?
Answer: It featured murals depicting indigenous themes, celebrating Mexico's roots and promoting regional tourism.
The house 'La Quinta Eréndira' reflected Cárdenas's ideals through its naming and artistic decoration, which celebrated indigenous heritage and promoted regional identity.
What was the impact of Spanish refugees who fled to Mexico during Lázaro Cárdenas's presidency?
Answer: They significantly enriched Mexico's cultural and academic life.
Mexico welcomed thousands of Spanish refugees, many of whom became prominent intellectuals and artists, profoundly influencing Mexican society and culture.
What was the stated goal of Mexico's unique 1940 drug policy?
Answer: To treat drug addiction as a public health issue with controlled access and medical attention.
The 1940 Federal Regulation on Drug Addictions represented a unique public health approach, focusing on decriminalization of minor offenses and medical treatment rather than strict criminalization.
What was the fate of the 1940 drug policy shortly after its implementation?
Answer: It was repealed after five months due to resource shortages and US pressure.
The 1940 drug policy was repealed within five months, primarily attributed to resource constraints related to World War II and diplomatic pressure from the United States.
How did Lázaro Cárdenas's foreign policy reflect his commitment to international solidarity?
Answer: By active support for democratic movements and refugees, like the Spanish Republic and Leon Trotsky.
Cárdenas pursued an active foreign policy, demonstrating solidarity through support for refugees and political exiles, contradicting any notion of isolationism.
What was the primary reason cited for the repeal of the 1940 drug policy?
Answer: Resource shortages exacerbated by World War II and US political pressure.
The 1940 drug policy was repealed within five months, primarily attributed to resource constraints related to World War II and diplomatic pressure from the United States.
Lázaro Cárdenas is widely regarded by historical analysts as one of the most popular presidents of 20th-century Mexico due to his reformist agenda and nationalistic policies.
Answer: True
Historical analyses and opinion polls consistently rank Lázaro Cárdenas among the most popular and influential presidents of 20th-century Mexico due to his reformist agenda and nationalistic policies.
Following his presidency, Lázaro Cárdenas remained an influential public figure, actively participating in political discourse and assuming roles such as Minister of War, rather than retiring entirely from public life.
Answer: True
Post-presidency, Cárdenas continued to be politically engaged, serving in government roles and advocating for various social and political causes.
Right-wing opposition to Cárdenas's policies did indeed include groups such as the National Synarchist Union (UNS) and the National Action Party (PAN), which was founded during his term.
Answer: True
Conservative and right-wing factions, including the UNS and the newly formed PAN, emerged as significant opposition to Cárdenas's reformist agenda.
In his 'Political Testament,' Lázaro Cárdenas expressed acknowledgment that his administration fell short of fully achieving the revolutionary goals of equitable power distribution and eradication of corruption.
Answer: True
Cárdenas candidly reflected in his 'Political Testament' on the shortcomings of his administration, particularly concerning the equitable distribution of power and the persistent challenge of corruption.
In 1955, Lázaro Cárdenas was among the recipients of the Stalin Peace Prize, an award given to foreigners sympathetic to the Soviet Union.
Answer: True
Cárdenas received the Stalin Peace Prize in 1955, reflecting his international standing and alignment with certain Soviet-bloc initiatives during the Cold War era.
Lázaro Cárdenas's presidency significantly contributed to the institutionalization of the post-revolutionary Mexican state through reforms, consolidation of power, and the establishment of precedents for political succession.
Answer: True
Cárdenas's administration played a crucial role in solidifying the structures of the Mexican state and its ruling party, thereby contributing significantly to institutionalization.
Lázaro Cárdenas is widely recognized for his personal integrity and modest lifestyle, refuting claims that he amassed personal wealth during his presidency.
Answer: True
Cárdenas is widely recognized for his personal integrity and modest lifestyle, eschewing personal enrichment during his time in office.
Who was Lázaro Cárdenas del Río and what was the primary significance of his presidency?
Answer: A politician who served as the 51st President of Mexico from 1934-1940, marking the end of the Maximato and implementing major reforms.
Lázaro Cárdenas served as the 51st President of Mexico from 1934 to 1940. His presidency is considered pivotal for its significant reforms, including land redistribution and oil nationalization, and for marking the conclusion of the Maximato era.
Which of the following actions was *not* undertaken by Lázaro Cárdenas during his presidency?
Answer: Establishing diplomatic relations with Nazi Germany.
While Cárdenas nationalized railways, abolished capital punishment, and supported Spanish refugees, establishing diplomatic relations with Nazi Germany is not documented as an action during his presidency.
According to his 1969 "Political Testament," what did Lázaro Cárdenas acknowledge as shortcomings of his administration?
Answer: Insufficient efforts in combating corruption and distributing political power equitably.
Cárdenas candidly reflected in his 'Political Testament' on the shortcomings of his administration, particularly concerning the equitable distribution of power and the persistent challenge of corruption.
Which of the following was a right-wing political group that opposed Lázaro Cárdenas's policies?
Answer: The National Synarchist Union (UNS)
Conservative and right-wing factions, including the UNS and the newly formed PAN, emerged as significant opposition to Cárdenas's reformist agenda.
Lázaro Cárdenas is frequently lauded in Mexican historical discourse as:
Answer: The "Greatest Constructive Radical of the Mexican Revolution."
Cárdenas is often recognized for his commitment to implementing the core ideals of the Mexican Revolution, earning him accolades such as 'the greatest constructive radical'.
How did Lázaro Cárdenas's presidency contribute to the institutionalization of the Mexican state?
Answer: By consolidating power, implementing reforms, and setting a precedent for peaceful succession.
Cárdenas's administration played a crucial role in solidifying the structures of the Mexican state and its ruling party, thereby contributing significantly to institutionalization.
What was the general sentiment regarding Lázaro Cárdenas's personal wealth and lifestyle following his presidency?
Answer: He maintained a reputation for integrity and lived modestly.
Post-presidency, Cárdenas was widely perceived as maintaining a reputation for integrity and living a modest lifestyle, eschewing personal enrichment.