D�az, (Jos� de la Cruz) Porfirio 1830-1915
Mexican soldier and statesman

Born in Oaxaca City to a modest mestizo family, he studied for the priesthood and then for the law. As a student and follower of Benito Ju�rez he opposed the dictatorship of Antonio de Santa Anna, joined the Oaxaca National Guard and rose to the rank of general. Hero of the War of Reform (1857-60) and the French Intervention (1861-67), he was shunned by Ju�rez in peacetime and retired from public life during Ju�rez's third term (1867-71). In 1871 he rebelled against the unconstitutional fourth re-election of Ju�rez, rebelled again in 1876 in support of the principle of no re-election, and became President. When his term ended (1880) he relinquished office peacefully to Manuel Gonz�lez (1833-93), was elected again in 1884 and ruled without interruption until he was deposed in 1911. He and his positivist advisers pursued a programme of 'peace and progress', attracting foreign investment to modernize Mexico, which produced a remarkable growth in railroads and other material improvements. However, eventually the dictator's age and his neglect of political and social reforms led to the 1911 revolution of Francisco Madero. He died in poverty in Paris.

Bibliography: Jos� F Godoy, Porfirio Diaz (1976)