Paz's political beliefs and artistic concerns were shaped by events and ideas that he was exposed to at home and abroad. His early experiences growing up in Mexico in the shadow of the 1910-20 Revolution no doubt influenced his leftist leanings. The Revolution, which was begun by Francisco Madero, came in response to the gross inequality of land holdings between the wealthy and peasant classes under Porforio Diaz. Even after Diaz's overthrow, the fighting continued, and numerous revolutionary leaders (including peasant leaders Emilio Zapata and Pancho Villa) and a million others were killed in a bloody struggle for power. From 1921 to 1933 a series of presidents held office in Mexico. Despite making some gains in economic growth, government became increasingly corrupt and conservative, and large pockets.....
