"We Are the Products of 500 Years of Resistance"

January
NAFTA is implemented January 1st, the same day 3,000 members of the EZLN occupy six large towns and hundreds of farms in an armed uprising. Within hours the Mexican Army responds, bombing indigenous communities and killing at least 145 indigenous people. Mexican Civil Society responds with massive demonstrations calling for an end to military repression. A cease-fire is declared on January 12th.

February
Peace talks begin, but the government peace proposal is rejected by Zapatista communities.

August
The Zapatistas organize the National Democratic Convention. More than 6,000 people representing a broad range of civil society gather at "Aguascalientes," a meeting place carved out of the jungle. Ernesto Zedillo is elected president in August, and Eduardo Robledo Rincon is elected governor amid widespread charges of fraud. Amado Avendano Figueroa, the PRD candidate, declares a "government in rebellion."

December
On December 19, the Zapatistas declare 38 autonomous indigenous municipalities, representing a serious challenge to local PRI power structures.
The Mexican peso tumbles, losing more than half of its value during the next two months. A US/International Monetary Fund bailout of $50 billion does not mitigate dramatic increases in unemployment and loss of living standards during the following year. The majority of Mexicans suffer, while the elites enjoy the fruits of privatization and NAFTA.

Zapatista Timeline by Tom Hansen and Enlace Civil