Winds of oppression, winds of resistance: the Isthmus of Tehuantepec

Abstract

The Isthmus of Tehuantepec is located in the states of Oaxaca and Veracruz. It is a territory inhabited by indigenous peoples (Binizaas, Huaves or Mareños and Zoques), mainly located in the portion of Oaxaca. It is the narrowest portion of the Mexican territory. Several circumstances, among which its geographical position stands out, gives it its strategic significance. This explains the interests it awakens since the beginning of the twentieth century.
The Isthmus of Tehuantepec is a geographical space which has been the scenario of confrontations of different territorialities, the diverse and millenary indigenous rebellions show such confrontation. An unequal fight between the winds of oppression and the winds of resistance. A considerable amount of such confrontations has had the indigenous peoples and the State as main characters