Background
Jose was born on September 15, 1830 in Oaxaca, Mexico.
José Díaz
Jose was born on September 15, 1830 in Oaxaca, Mexico.
In his youth, Diaz was influenced by Benito Juarez. After studying law he fought in the war against the United States, 1847-1848, and was active in support of Juarez's presidency and in opposition to the French invasion. When the French withdrew in 1867 he opposed Juarez, and in 1876 he established himself, by revolt, in the presidency. Except for a short interval, 1880-1884, during which he continued to hold important offices, Diaz remained president for 35 years. He believed that the primary need for Mexico was peace and order, through which the outside world would gain confidence in his country and help promote its economic development.
He ruled with an iron hand, eliminating opposition ruthlessly. He invited foreign capital from the United States and Great Britain and came to be regarded abroad as an outstanding ruler, while at home he became increasingly unpopular. He made Mexico famous for the safety of property and persons, even on unfrequented highways, through his country police, known as rurales. In 1910, after a magnificent show of splendor in the celebration of the centennial of Mexico's independence, rumors of the revolution were heard. The ragged soldiers of the idealist Francisco Madero found Diaz's army a hollow shell. After a few months of fighting, Diaz, in the spring of 1911, slipped out of Mexico City by night and went into exile in Europe.