NAFTA Takes Effect — EZLN Zapatista Uprising Begins Same Day

On January 1, 1994 — the day NAFTA entered into force — the Ejército Zapatista de Liberación Nacional (EZLN) seized San Cristóbal de las Casas and four other Chiapas towns, declaring war on the Mexican government and NAFTA. Subcomandante Marcos's communiqués ('¡Ya Basta!') went global via the internet — one of the first 'internet revolutions.' The Zapatistas, representing primarily Tzotzil, Tzeltal, and Tojolabal Maya communities, framed NAFTA as a death sentence for indigenous peoples. A 12-day war followed; peace talks since 1994 have produced partial agreements but not final settlement.