On this day, 17 November 1983, 6 people founded the Zapatista Army of National Liberation (EZLN) in the mountains of Chiapas, Mexico.
11 years later, around 3000 predominantly Indigenous armed EZLN members launched an uprising taking control of a considerable amount of land in the region, freeing prisoners and destroying police and army barracks. In a counter-attack by the Mexican army, the guerrillas lost control of many towns and cities and retreated into the Lacandon jungle.
Subsequently the Zapatistas established a number of self-governing autonomous communities, with a population of over 300,000 people. Other than personal property, private ownership was abolished, with collective ownership of land and collectively owned and run workplaces. Radical, democratic schools, where pupils are not graded, were established, as was a universal healthcare service, drastically improving public health and reducing infant mortality.
So if you know 5 people who think like you, set up a group!
This is a detailed history and analysis of the organisation: https://libcom.org/library/commune-chiapas-zapatista-mexico https://www.facebook.com/workingclasshistory/photos/a.296224173896073/1266600530191761/?type=3
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