Monitor and censor. Intelligence networks and journalistic censorship in revolutionary Mexico, 1911-1923

Abstract

Controlling information and keeping an eye on enemies were two fun-damental activities for the different revolutionary factions in the revolutionary decade (1910-1920) and in the early years of the post-revolutionary stage. The armed struggle has aspects that have been little explored and that reflected the concern to watch over and censure its enemies. Francisco I. Madero failed in his attempts to neutralize the opposition forces; Venustiano Carranza, on his part, managed to monopolize information and build the foundations of intelligence networks that would make it possible for the Carrancistas to stop possible uprisings. The assassination of Carranza in May 1920, far from ending these practices, led the new group in power ― headed by Generals Álvaro Obregón and Plutarco Elías Calles, as well as Adolfo de la Huerta ― to improve their confidential intelligence services and closely monitor the opposition press.

Keywords

• mexican revolution
• francisco i. madero
• venustiano carranza
• press
• confidential department