10 characteristics of the Porfiriato

The Porfiriato was a period in Mexican history that spanned the dictatorship of General Porfirio Díaz from 1876 to 1911. This period in Mexican history marked a major transition from an agrarian rural society to an urban, industrialized nation. It was a time of great political, social and economic changes.

The Porfiriato began in 1876, when General Porfirio Díaz assumed control of the Mexican government after a period of civil war. General Díaz was a conservative military leader who wanted to give stability to the country. He soon began to apply radical reforms, which included the nationalization of many industries and the implementation of a new educational system.

General Diaz also tried to modernize Mexico by building a national rail system, investing heavily in infrastructure, and improving public sanitation. This period of progress and modernization became known as the Porfiriato.

The Porfiriato was characterized by economic growth and the emergence of a wealthy elite. The wealthy elite benefited from General Díaz's reforms, while the majority of the population remained impoverished. The government of General Díaz also meant a period of political repression, in his attempt to maintain power.

The Mexican Revolution ended the Porfiriato in 1911. During this period of turmoil, the country was divided between supporters of General Díaz and the revolutionaries who wanted to overthrow him. Finally, the revolutionaries triumphed and General Díaz was forced to resign.

It was a period of great changes in Mexico. It marked the transition from an agrarian rural society to an urban, industrialized nation. Although the Porfiriato was a period of progress and modernization, it was also marked by a great disparity between the wealthy elite and the majority of the population.

Characteristics of the Porfiriato

1. It was a period of government in Mexico: The Porfiriato was the period of government in Mexico that lasted from 1876 to 1911 and was led by Porfirio Díaz.
2. It was a period of political and economic stability: During the Porfiriato, Mexico experienced a political and economic stability that had not been seen in the country for centuries.
3. It was a period of economic development: The Porfiriato was a period of economic growth in Mexico, with an increase in production and trade.
4. It was a period of modernization: During the Porfiriato, Mexico underwent modernization in areas such as education, infrastructure, and industry.
5. It was a period of political control: Porfirio Díaz and his followers were in absolute political control during the Porfiriato and used their power to keep any opposition at bay.



6. It was a period of corruption: The Porfiriato was a period of corruption in Mexico, with public officials getting rich at the expense of the people.
7. It was a period of political exclusion: During the Porfiriato, the majority of Mexican citizens were excluded from political life and had no voice in government decisions.
8. It was a period of social inequality: The Porfiriato was a period of social inequality in Mexico, with a very rich upper class and a poor majority of the population.
9. It was a period of worker exploitation: Mexican workers during the Porfiriato were exploited and paid very little for their jobs.
10. It was a period of popular discontent: Popular discontent with the government of Porfirio Díaz and the Porfiriato was one of the main causes of the Mexican Revolution.