Porfirio Diaz began his term of presidency in 1876. At the time, he established a policy of "No Re-election", prohibiting presidents from serving consecutive terms in office. After Diaz's first term ended in 1880, the unqualified Manuel Gonzalez was elected. His recognizing of debts owed to Britain lessened him in the public view, and Porfirio Diaz was re-elected in 1884. After serving his second term as president of the republic, Diaz terminated his no re-election policy, hypocritically establishing himself as dictator.
Diaz used terror to influence civilian voters. Implementing the Mexican Guardia Rural, a mounted, armed police force, frightened citizens, and its presence was often enough to sway votes. Still, if the majority did not favor Diaz, he would falsify the ballots. He used this methodology for seven consecutive terms.
Mexican industrialization boomed and the economy grew because of European investments and Diaz's reforms. These reforms were not liberal, rather reactionary. Diaz changed land laws created by Benito Juarez (1858-1872), lessening a Mexican individual's right to own land. An influx of peasants arrived in cities as a result of Diaz's reforms, forming an urban, lower class that took jobs improving infrastructure (building roads, working in factories, etc.). At this time, Diaz also restricted civil liberties. These restrictions led to the Porfirioto opposition.
Diaz's age and carelessness were directly correlated.
Wikipedia. "Mexican Revolution." Wikipedia. Wikpedia, 23 Apr. 2010. Web. 25 Apr.
2010.
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