Porfirio Díaz

Díaz, Porfirio (1830–1915), Mexican general and president. Renowned for his part in the war against the French (1861–67), he came to oppose Benito Juarez and gained power in 1877. President until 1880 and again from 1884, he was politically ruthless. His policies and foreign investment brought stability and prosperity, while peasant conditions were wretched. He was overthrown in 1911 and died in exile in Paris.

See also: Mexico.