The Porfiriato

     During his time in office, Diaz would implement a program of political and economic reform known as the “Porfiriato''. As part of these reforms, Diaz would crack down on political dissidents, insurrectionists, and criminal organizations in an effort to stabilize the country.  In doing so, Diaz was able to entice businessmen from the United States, as well as other parts of the world, to invest large amounts of capital into Mexico.  As a result of this foreign investment, the railroad, mining, and oil industries would boom, the military would expand and modernize, and infrastructure projects would be undertaken, creating hundreds of jobs while growing Mexico’s economic power.  Electric power, modern plumbing, and an increase in availability of consumer goods served to improve the standard of living for many Mexicans, particularly those living in cities such as Veracruz or Mexico City.  For many of those living in rural agrarian communities, however, the reforms of the Porfiriato would bring many new challenges while exacerbating many previously existing struggles.