World History Moment: Mexican Revolution

On the 26th anniversary of the revolution that ended Porfirio Diaz’ 30-year dictatorship, a huge mass meeting is held by Mexican laborers in front of Mexico City’s ancient cathedral on Nov. 23, 1936. Speakers are denouncing fascism.
On the 26th anniversary of the revolution that ended Porfirio Diaz’ 30-year dictatorship, a huge mass meeting is held by Mexican laborers in front of Mexico City’s ancient cathedral on Nov. 23, 1936. Speakers are denouncing fascism. AP Photo
On the 26th anniversary of the revolution that ended Porfirio Diaz’ 30-year dictatorship, a huge mass meeting is held by Mexican laborers in front of Mexico City’s ancient cathedral on Nov. 23, 1936. Speakers are denouncing fascism.
On the 26th anniversary of the revolution that ended Porfirio Diaz’ 30-year dictatorship, a huge mass meeting is held by Mexican laborers in front of Mexico City’s ancient cathedral on Nov. 23, 1936. Speakers are denouncing fascism. AP Photo

World History Moment: Mexican Revolution

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General Porfirio Diaz became President of Mexico in 1876. He served one four-year term, then retired. But in 1884, Diaz ran for president again and was re-elected. Afterwards, Diaz ran for president every four years. The elections were rigged in his favor.

By 1909, Diaz was nearly eighty and promised to retire when his current term ended the following year.

A number of politicians entered the 1910 election. The most prominent was an idealistic liberal from a wealthy family, Francisco Madero. Then, Diaz changed his mind and decided to run again. 

Meanwhile, Madero campaigned across Mexico. He drew huge crowds. Shortly before the vote, Diaz had Madero imprisoned. The charge was inciting riots. 

Historian John Schmidt tells us what happened next.