1910: Only one percent of the Mexican population holds ninety percent of the land. More than ninety-seven percent of the rural poor own no land at all.

1934: The Mexican government begins a major program of land distribution to farmers.

1999: A group of farmers and other protesters ride on horseback to Mexico City to publicize the plight of Mexican farmers, who have become indebted to large banks. Authorities block their way and repress the march all along its route.

Today: In the United States, particularly in California, American farmers hire illegal Mexican immigrants to work as laborers at low wages.

1936-39: Volunteers from around the world, from Mexico to the United States to Britain, join the Loyalists to defend the left-wing cause against General Franco's forces in Spain.

1975: Franco dies after almost four decades as ruler of Spain.

1978: The Spanish people approve by an eightyeight- percent...