POrfirio diaz
Porfirio Diaz was born into a desperate and poor family in Oaxaca on September 15, 1830. He is known as one of the towering figures of Latin American history and can be considered as one of the most controversial leaders in Mexican political history. Diaz was ruler of Mexico for about 35 years, and is known for being one of the most infamous dictators in history. Ever since a young age, Diaz had created building blocks leading up to his leadership in Mexico. Since his father died, he was always helping the family at an early age; this soon led to the beginning of his study of law.
At the beginning of the 19th century, it was a tumultuous period in Mexican history due to the political and military leaders fighting over how to organize the new nation. When Mexico declared war on the United States, Diaz discontinued his studies of law to join the army. As a result, Diaz ruled as dictator from 1876-1911. He changed Mexico into a modernized society, and under his power, Mexico attained financial wealth and prosperity. Although the rich prospered, the majority of Mexicans continued in poverty. Middle class liberals, who embraced the maxim of democracy, opposed Diaz’s ideals. One of these middle class liberals, Francisco Madera, grew a strong hatred for Diaz and wanted him out of power. After being imprisoned by Diaz, Francisco Madera who was a liberal reformer, demanded free elections in 1910. However, to go against Madera, Diaz gained popularity by supporting Benito Juarez in the War of the Reform against Maximilian and the French in the years 1861-1867. Diminished by his defeat of Juarez in the election of 1871, Diaz called fraud and led a Mexican Revolt against the Mexican government. Finally after 30 years of dictatorship, Diaz resigned in 1911. Many classified Diaz’s rule under Mexico as harsh and ruthless however, many thought his rule was effective and powerful. He completely abolished banditry in the nation by revealing tyro members of the state police. However, Diaz did increase the amount of railroads, roads, and other public works in Mexico. Someone stated this about Diaz: “If is a mistake to suppose that the future of democracy in Mexico has been endangered by the long continuance in office of one President.”
Citations:
-"Porfirio Diaz." World History: The Modern Era. ABC-CLIO, 2013. Web. 12 Mar. 2013.
-"Biography of Porfirio Diaz." About.com Latin American History. N.p., n.d. Web. 12 Mar. 2013.
Picture Citation:
-"Porfirio Díaz." Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, 03 Dec. 2013. Web. 12 Mar. 2013.
At the beginning of the 19th century, it was a tumultuous period in Mexican history due to the political and military leaders fighting over how to organize the new nation. When Mexico declared war on the United States, Diaz discontinued his studies of law to join the army. As a result, Diaz ruled as dictator from 1876-1911. He changed Mexico into a modernized society, and under his power, Mexico attained financial wealth and prosperity. Although the rich prospered, the majority of Mexicans continued in poverty. Middle class liberals, who embraced the maxim of democracy, opposed Diaz’s ideals. One of these middle class liberals, Francisco Madera, grew a strong hatred for Diaz and wanted him out of power. After being imprisoned by Diaz, Francisco Madera who was a liberal reformer, demanded free elections in 1910. However, to go against Madera, Diaz gained popularity by supporting Benito Juarez in the War of the Reform against Maximilian and the French in the years 1861-1867. Diminished by his defeat of Juarez in the election of 1871, Diaz called fraud and led a Mexican Revolt against the Mexican government. Finally after 30 years of dictatorship, Diaz resigned in 1911. Many classified Diaz’s rule under Mexico as harsh and ruthless however, many thought his rule was effective and powerful. He completely abolished banditry in the nation by revealing tyro members of the state police. However, Diaz did increase the amount of railroads, roads, and other public works in Mexico. Someone stated this about Diaz: “If is a mistake to suppose that the future of democracy in Mexico has been endangered by the long continuance in office of one President.”
Citations:
-"Porfirio Diaz." World History: The Modern Era. ABC-CLIO, 2013. Web. 12 Mar. 2013.
-"Biography of Porfirio Diaz." About.com Latin American History. N.p., n.d. Web. 12 Mar. 2013.
Picture Citation:
-"Porfirio Díaz." Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, 03 Dec. 2013. Web. 12 Mar. 2013.