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Porfirio Díaz. (credit: Library of Congress, Washington, D.C.)

(born Sept. 15, 1830, Oaxaca, Mex. — died July 2, 1915, Paris, Fr.) Soldier and president of Mexico (1877 – 80, 1884 – 1911). After training for the priesthood, he pursued a military career instead. When peace was restored to Mexico under Benito Juárez, Díaz resigned his command, but he soon became dissatisfied with the government. After leading two revolts, he was elected president in 1877. He succeeded in bolstering the export economy through foreign investment, while leading in the spirit of a caudillo, suppressing opposition, rigging elections, and using patronage to win the cooperation of various groups. The Mexican Revolution was launched in 1910 to end his dictatorship and reverse his policies. See also Francisco Madero, La Reforma.

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