Porfirio Diaz

     On January 10, 1876, General Poririo Diaz, a hero of the Second Franco-Mexican War, would issue his Plan de Tuxtepec.  In this plan, Diaz would levy complaints of corruption and exploitation against Mexico’s incumbent president, Sebastian Lerdo.  Shortly thereafter, Diaz would launch a failed rebellion against the Lerdo government.  Having fled to the United States in the wake of his initial failure, Diaz would return in November, 1876, managing to secure victory against forces loyal to Lerdo at Tecoac.  As a result of this humiliating defeat, Lerdo would flee the country, allowing Diaz to continue unopposed, the latter seizing Mexico City on November 21.  Just six months later, in May, 1877, Diaz would formally assume the Mexican presidency.  Barring a brief four year period where the country had been governed by Manuel Gonzalez, Diaz would control Mexico's fate for the better part of three decades.