The Tlatelolco Massacre in Mexico

1968 was an especially volatile year in many countries around the world. In France, the United States, and Mexico, youth and leftist rebellions escalated to previously unseen levels of violence. In the summer of 1968, Mexican students began to demonstrate against the government of President Diaz Ordaz, and were later joined in this movement by labor unions and the working class. The impending Summer Olympics provided the demonstrators with more publicity and an international stage for their …

…by refusing to release many documents. The actions and dishonesty of the P.R.I. in relation to Tlatelolco exacerbated already-present characteristics of the Mexican political culture, such as distrust of the government and fear of violent retaliation against peaceful protestors. Tlatelolco has, however, encouraged those who fight against corruption in the government, and its implications have served as a warning to the Mexican government against unnecessary use of force in dealing with its people.