How did Porfirio Díaz's rule lead to the Mexican Revolution?

Porfirio Díaz's autocratic rule, marked by economic inequality and political repression, led to widespread discontent, sparking the Mexican Revolution.

Porfirio Díaz, a military hero who seized power in 1876, ruled Mexico for over three decades, a period known as the Porfiriato. His regime was characterised by significant economic growth and modernisation, but these benefits were not evenly distributed. The rich, particularly foreign investors and the upper class, profited immensely, while the majority of the population, especially the rural and indigenous communities, were left in poverty. Díaz's economic policies, such as the privatisation of communal lands, dispossessed many peasants, leading to widespread discontent.

Moreover, Díaz's political system was autocratic and repressive. He maintained power through a network of political allies, known as Científicos, who helped him control the political machinery. Opposition was suppressed, and elections were manipulated to ensure Díaz's continued rule. This lack of political freedom and the absence of a legitimate avenue for expressing grievances further fuelled resentment against his regime.

The social inequality and political repression under Díaz's rule created a volatile situation. The spark came in 1910 when Díaz, despite promising not to run, announced his candidacy for another term. This blatant disregard for democratic principles led Francisco Madero, a reformist from a wealthy family, to call for an armed rebellion against Díaz. This marked the beginning of the Mexican Revolution, a decade-long civil war that resulted in significant social and political changes in Mexico.

In conclusion, Porfirio Díaz's rule, while bringing economic progress, exacerbated social inequalities and stifled political freedoms. The widespread discontent this engendered, coupled with Díaz's refusal to step down, led to the outbreak of the Mexican Revolution.