The Tlatelolco Massacre, Mexico City, 1968

Introduction By examining the history of Mexico, namely the recollection of the Tlatelolco massacre on October 2, 1968, it is evident that there is a disparity in the interpretation of the event. This disparity is observed between the citizens of Mexico that were involved in the Tlatelolco massacre, and the historical accounts and claims of the Mexican government. Some would argue that the government of Mexico responded reasonably and legitimately to student protests in 1968 by reverting to violence, which resulted in the Tlatelolco massacre. However, I argue that the violence of the Tlatelolco massacre cannot be considered justified violence by the state; furthermore, the violence cannot be considered a successful political action that preserved the stability of the state. Moreover, I argue that the violence was a direct result of the state’s switch from a defensive to an offensive position regarding the student protests. This article will contend various arguments that justify t...