4 KEY CONSEQUENCES OF THE MEXICAN PORFIRIATO - HISTORY - 2025

The consequences of the Mexican Porfiriato cover social, political and economic areas. This historical period, commanded by Porfirio Díaz, began in 1876 when he took power by force of arms, and culminated in 1911 when he was forced into exile.

This Mexican caudillo was born in 1830 in Oaxaca. He came from a poor mestizo peasant family. Porfirio Díaz enlisted in the army when he was very young. He had a notable participation in the War of the Reform, and was one of the most determined supporters of liberalism. His death occurred in Paris in 1915.

You may be interested The 31 Best Phrases of Porfirio Díaz

Consequences of the Mexican Porfiriato

1- Political stability

From its independence in 1810 until Porfirio Díaz installed his de facto government, Mexico was characterized by constant confrontations at the political level.

The ideological struggle between liberals and conservatives, foreign interventions and the War of the Reform were the triggers of the conflict.

The Porfiriato imposed order and peace in an authoritarian manner. Convinced that political activity was an obstacle to progress, Díaz reduced it to a minimum. He implemented the "bread or stick" policy, offering his opponents positions in the public administration.

If they did not accept, they would mysteriously disappear. Ending dissent and depoliticization allowed the nation to enjoy a prolonged period of political stability.

2- Modernization

In the 19th century, many nations wanted to achieve the ideal of progress. In that sense, the railways were the ultimate symbol of economic progress.

The first contracts to build trains in Mexico were signed around 1830, but political instability and lack of capital delayed their execution.

The Porfiriato set itself the goal of building railways. Thus, using foreign investment funds, some 24,000 km of railroad were built.

The trains guaranteed to get goods to market safely and allowed rural residents to travel to the city to find jobs.

In addition, the supply of electricity to cities, the creation of industrial complexes, the rehabilitation of port facilities and the development of industrial metal mining opened the doors to the modernization of the country.

3- Economic growth

To achieve progress, Mexico needed capital and the Porfiriato managed to fix the country's fiscal affairs both nationally and internationally.

The solidity of Mexican finances, the establishment of a stable currency, and political and social tranquility attracted foreign investment. Thus, European and American funds allowed the construction of the required infrastructure.

On the other hand, livestock grew to the point that it could supply domestic consumption and exports.

The medium-sized textile and paper industry and industrial mining also prospered. The best conditions in terms of rail transport, ports and telephone and telegraphic communications fostered the development of trade.

The export of natural products exceeded the import of manufactures, reaching an unprecedented trade surplus.

4- Unequal distribution of wealth

Despite Mexico's economic success during the Porfiriato, its social consequences were negative. Real per capita income was very low and unemployment levels increased due to mechanization.

Capital was concentrated in a few hands, especially local and foreign investors. On the other hand, land tenure was privatized, leading to a greater concentration of land ownership.

This increased the number of landless rural people. Rich families kept most of the productive land, and half of rural Mexicans worked for them.

Most of the population remained predominantly poor and rural, and the division of social classes deepened. With the rise of the middle class in the cities, the gap between urban and rural Mexico widened.

You may be interested What was the Porfiriato Crisis in Mexico?

References

1. Evens, T. (2012). The Porfiriato: The stability and growth Mexico needed. Studies by Undergraduate Researchers at Guelph, 5 (2), 13-18. Recovered from journal.lib.uoguelph.ca.
2. García, DJ (2010). The Porfiriato (1876-1911). In G. Von Wobeser (coord.), History of Mexico. Mexico: Fund for Economic Culture-Secretariat of Public Education.
3. Griffin, EC, Cline, HF, et al. (2017, May 11). Mexico. Encyclopædia Britannica. Recovered from britannica.com.
4. Moya Gutiérrez, A. (2008). Historically Rehabilitating the Porfiriato: A Necessary Digression on the Porfirio Díaz Regime. Mexico 1876-1910. Journal of Social Sciences (Cr), Vol. I, No. 119, 83-105.
5. Mexico. (s / f). Nations encyclopedia. Based on the Country Studies Series by Federal Research Division of the Library of Congress. Recovered from country-data.com.
6. Mexico During the Porfiriato (s / f). The Mexican Revolution and the United States in the Collections of the Library of Congress. Recovered from loc.gov.