Overview
This lecture analyzes the rise and fall of the Porfiriato—Porfirio DĂaz’s dictatorship in Mexico (late 19th–early 20th century)—and its impact on Mexican society, economy, and foreign relations.
Post–U.S.-Mexico War Turmoil
- After the 1848 U.S.-Mexico War, Mexico experienced political instability and power vacuums.
- Such instability often leads to military or personalist dictatorships.
The Restored Republic and Benito Juárez
- Juárez returned as president in 1867, following civil wars and the French intervention (Cinco de Mayo, 1862).
- Juárez aimed to model Mexico’s economy on U.S. economic liberalism.
- In 1871, Juárez faced opposition from Porfirio DĂaz but won re-election; DĂaz’s revolt failed.
Rise of Porfirio DĂaz and the Porfiriato
- After Juárez’s death, Sebastián Lerdo de Tejada modernized infrastructure but lacked charisma.
- In 1876, DĂaz successfully seized power, forming coalitions with military, regional landowners, and foreign investors.
- DĂaz’s rule (Porfiriato) lasted over 30 years.
U.S. and Foreign Influence
- Post-Civil War, the U.S. focused on trade with Latin America rather than territorial expansion.
- U.S. and British investors acquired large portions of Mexican land and resources.
- By 1910, Americans owned over 22% of Mexican land; foreigners dominated key industries (railroads, oil, mining).
Economic Policies and Social Impact
- DĂaz promoted economic liberalism: free trade, cash crops, large estates (haciendas), and foreign investment.
- The regime brought infrastructure growth (e.g., railroads) but concentrated wealth and land, displacing peasants and Indigenous populations.
- Forced labor and debt peonage were widespread; hacienda conditions were brutal.
Ideology and Social Order
- DĂaz relied on positivism (French social theory promoting science, technology, and order) and advice from "Los CientĂficos."
- Social Darwinism justified elite dominance and exploitation of Indigenous and mestizo labor.
- European cultural influences were prominent in elite society and architecture.
Opposition and Decline
- Growing unrest among labor, peasants, and a rising middle class challenged DĂaz’s rule.
- Journalists and artists (e.g., José Guadalupe Posada) criticized the regime through satire and imagery.
- Violent repression of labor strikes (e.g., Rio Blanco, 1907) increased discontent.
Revolution and the End of the Porfiriato
- Francisco Madero called for revolution after the fraudulent 1910 election.
- Uprisings spread nationally; DĂaz resigned and went into exile in 1911.
- The Porfiriato's end ushered in a decade of intense violence and revolution.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Porfiriato — The era of Porfirio DĂaz’s dictatorship in Mexico (1876-1911).
- Restored Republic — Period following French intervention and the return of Juárez (1867-1876).
- Hacienda System — Large landed estates often worked by indebted peasants and Indigenous laborers.
- Economic Liberalism — Policies favoring free trade, private property, and minimal state intervention.
- Positivism — Philosophy emphasizing science and technology as drivers of societal progress.
- Los CientĂficos — DĂaz’s technocratic advisors promoting positivist policies.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review the causes and outcomes of the Mexican Revolution for the next module.
- Read about major figures in the Revolution (e.g., Francisco Madero).
- Prepare to discuss social and economic impacts of foreign investment in Mexico.