On this day in 1917, Mexico adopted a constitution that would not only redefine its own future but also influence political movements and legal frameworks across the globe.

Emerging from the turmoil of the Mexican Revolution, the Constitution of 1917 was one of the most progressive of its time. It tackled deep-rooted inequalities in land ownership, labor rights, and political representation, setting a precedent for social and economic reforms worldwide. Its impact stretched far beyond Mexico’s borders, influencing landmark documents such as the Weimar Constitution of 1919 in Germany and the Russian Soviet Federative Socialist Republic Constitution of 1918.

A Constitution Born from Revolution

The Mexican Revolution (1910–1920) was a fight against the long-standing dictatorship of Porfirio Díaz, whose 35-year rule enriched foreign investors and the elite while leaving much of the population in poverty. In response, the 1917 Constitution—drafted in Querétaro under the leadership of Venustiano Carranza—aimed to dismantle the oppressive structures of the past and introduce radical reforms.

Several key articles of the constitution set global benchmarks:

  • Education as a Right: Article 3 established free, mandatory, and secular education, directly challenging the Catholic Church’s control over schooling and framing education as a fundamental human right.
  • Land and Resource Reforms: Article 27 granted the government authority to redistribute land and limit foreign ownership of natural resources, a move that disrupted the grip of wealthy landowners and foreign corporations.
  • Workers’ Protections: Article 123 enshrined progressive labor rights, including the eight-hour workday, minimum wage, equal pay, and the right to strike, inspiring labor movements across Latin America.
  • Church and State Separation: Article 130 imposed strict limits on the power of the Roman Catholic Church, curbing its influence over politics and property ownership. This led to fierce opposition and ultimately sparked the Cristero War (1926–1929), a violent conflict between the government and Catholic insurgents.

A Lasting Legacy

Despite facing resistance and undergoing numerous amendments, the Mexican Constitution of 1917 remains the foundation of the country’s legal system today. It is widely recognized as one of the most forward-thinking constitutions of its time, shaping the evolution of social and political reforms globally.

Each year, Mexico honors this historic achievement with Día de la Constitución, a national holiday observed on the first Monday of February. More than a century later, the principles enshrined in the 1917 Constitution continue to echo in modern struggles for workers’ rights, land reform, and the separation of church and state—both in Mexico and beyond.