Porfirio+Diaz

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 * Porfirio Diaz **

Porfirio Diaz was born September 15 1830 in Oaxaca, Mexico as a mestizo (mixed Indian European heritage). He was one out of seven children and had been extremely poor, which led him unable to learn how to read and write completely. He tried to get into law, but realized that he was better off being in the army after he helped fight with Santa Anna.

He later found himself into politics with Beinto Juarez, and had tried to run against him in presidency. When he lost the election, he started a small revolt and for four months caused Jaurez problems. After Juarez had an unexpected death, Diaz saw an opportunity to regain power. From 1876 to 1911 he was in power, except for a four year time period where he ruled through some one else. Under his rule the economy at first prospered, then suffered.

For those who had supported Diaz, he rewarded them with land and political positions, but for those who didn't, he punished them by beating them or sending them to jail. For the first years of his presidency, the economy boomed, Mexico was receiving money from around the world and had very few people unemployed. Railroads extended and banks were made to support all the success.

Eventually, as his presidency continued, things began to go down hill. The land he was giving away continually, wasn't being used to its advantage. The wealthier class had a large amount of land, but weren't growing the crops needed and were abusing the land with the crops they were using. Farmers with little land were thus forced to work harder to maintain the amount of food needed, but weren't getting the land they needed for the work. Because of his, food prices steadily became higher and people became angry.

Diaz left a mixed legacy in Mexico. He helped Mexico become united and began foreign trade, he steadied currency and extended rail roads around the country. On the other end, he payed little attention to the lower class, giving them little education, and forced some of Mexico's greatest thinkers into exile. Diaz is the prime reason for the start of the revolution.