Florida International University

Department of History
Fall 2008
LAH 2020 – Latin American Civilization
Final Assignment

Essays are due on Wednesday, December 10, 9:45 AM

You will also submit your essay assignment to ‘www.turnitin.com’ at the same time.
The class ID for Sections U01, U03, U04, and U05 is # 2366617, Password: lah2020u
Be sure that you submit the TWO ESSAYS as ONE DOCUMENT in ‘turnitin.com’.

Read the instructions carefully.

Essay should be typed and doubled-spaced. Include word count. Be sure to cite all
quotations and paraphrases. Make it clear to the reader that you read the text
carefully.

Remember that your essay must contain an opening paragraph (introduction), the
development of your argument and historical evidence (the body of the essay), and
one closing paragraph (conclusion). In your conclusion you must summarize your
main findings.

NO INTERNET SOURCES!!! Use Chicago Manual Style of quotations (see Guide).

Essay 1 [60 points] – 950 words

Analyze the groups and “political actors” that emerged in the Mexican political
arena between 1913 and 1917, after the assassination of Francisco I. Madero.
Include as many details as possible on the various revolutionary leaders (caudillos),
conservative elites, foreign business interests, organized labor, agrarian leaders,
Madero supporters, Church officials, to name a few.

Essay 2 [40 points] – 750 words

What role did Lázaro Cárdenas play in the formation of Mexican nationalism
during his tenure as President? Include President Cardenas’ role in the
reorganization of the Partido Nacional Revolucionario (PNR) in your discussion.