UNIT TWO - Ideas - The Divine Right of Kings

The idea of the Divine Right of Kings is a very simple one. It means that all people or groups in power have been appointed by God(s). This concept is a European political and religious explanation of the laws related to political and religious leaders.

It was very big in medieval and ancient regime times. This concept states that the leader owes his ruling of the group or country to the will of God or Gods and is above the rulings of the parliament, the aristocracy or other forms of leaders. This idea also was that an attempt (either a failed or successful one) was an act against God and His will.

This idea is still used in the coronation of European monarchs, who's genealogy is traced back to King David of the Old Testament. The British Royal family is also under the divine right of kings with their family motto (translated) being "I rule with God's Blessing"

The basis for the Divine Right of Kings comes from Romans 13:1-2, which says "Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God. Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation." In other words every order given by the king or queen must be obeyed as to not disobey God.

In my opinion I think the Divine Right of Kings is a very irrational idea. There is no proof that the leaders were actually 'chosen' by God or in anyway were directed by God. I do however believe it wouldn't be that hard an idea to convince people or to have them obey. It was a smart plan on behalf of the rulers of the world.

UNIT ONE - Event - Mexican Revolution of 1910

For most of Mexican history the country was controlled by a small minority people and the majority of the country worked and lived in poverty. The leader of the country at the time was General Díaz who did nothing when the gap between the poor and the rich grew even more. In 1910 he was pressured into an election where Francisco Madero was able to win a large number of votes. Díaz didn't like this and had him imprisoned on the idea that he didn't believe Mexico was ready for a democracy.

Once released from prison, Madero continued his fight against Díaz in attempt to overthrow him. He was helped by Pancho Villa from the north and Emiliano Zapata from the south who were able to gain control of their regions from the Mexican army. Díaz was unable to regain control of these areas and resigned in May of 1911 and fled to France.

Madero was elected president again but hen was opposed by Emiliano Zapata who no longer wished to wait for Madero's orders. In the same year Zapata denounced Madero as president and took the position over himself which led to the Mexican Revolution of 1916.

I think the Mexican Revolution was something that needed to happen. This one in particular was needed because although it was not as big as the one that followed in 1916, this smaller revolution prepared the country and it's people for a change. The country was bettered by this overthrow of the government that help save the country from discrimination of the lower class, which in time would have become worse than it was at the time.