Porfirio Díaz (1830–1915)

Question 1

When was Porfirio Díaz born?

Answer 1

September 15, 1830

Question 2

In which city was Porfirio Díaz born?

Answer 2

Oaxaca, Mexico

Question 3

What profession did Díaz initially pursue before joining the army?

Answer 3

Priesthood

Question 4

What war led Porfirio Díaz to leave his seminary studies?

Answer 4

The Mexican-American War

Question 5

Which two major conflicts did Díaz fight in before becoming President?

Answer 5

The Reform War and the French Intervention

Question 6

During which years did Porfirio Díaz first serve as President of Mexico?

Answer 6

1876-1880

Question 7

During which years did Díaz serve his second term as President of Mexico?

Answer 7

1884-1911

Question 8

What was the period of Díaz’s rule called?

Answer 8

The Porfiriato

Question 9

What is Porfirio Díaz most known for during his presidency?

Answer 9

Economic modernization and infrastructure development

Question 10

How did Porfirio Díaz achieve peace during his presidency?

Answer 10

Through authoritarian measures and political repression

Question 11

What significant infrastructure projects were expanded under Díaz’s rule?

Answer 11

Railroads, telegraphs, and city modernization

Question 12

What global trends influenced Díaz’s policies?

Answer 12

Industrialization and globalization

Question 13

Which Mexican Revolution leader forced Díaz into exile?

Answer 13

Francisco Madero

Question 14

What happened to Díaz in 1911?

Answer 14

He was forced into exile

Question 15

In which country did Porfirio Díaz die?

Answer 15

France

Question 16

What is the main controversy surrounding Díaz’s presidency?

Answer 16

Authoritarianism and repression of political opposition

Question 17

How did Díaz’s policies impact indigenous and peasant communities?

Answer 17

They were dispossessed of their land and suffered from inequality

Question 18

How did Díaz influence Mexico’s economic growth?

Answer 18

He encouraged foreign investment and modernized infrastructure

Question 19

Which event marked the end of Díaz’s long rule?

Answer 19

The Mexican Revolution

Question 20

What was one ironic aspect of Díaz’s life after his presidency?

Answer 20

He died in France, the country he once fought against

Question 21

What is one humorous fact about Porfirio Díaz and dueling?

Answer 21

He once fired into the air during a duel to embarrass his opponent rather than kill him

Question 22

What iconic feature is Porfirio Díaz known for?

Answer 22

His thick, elegant moustache

Question 23

What quote is famously associated with Díaz, and how did it become ironic?

Answer 23

‘Effective suffrage, no re-election,’ became ironic because he continuously re-elected himself

Question 24

Which social class benefited the most under Díaz’s rule?

Answer 24

Wealthy elites and foreign investors

Question 25

How is Díaz’s legacy viewed today?

Answer 25

It is mixed, as he is seen as a modernizer but also an authoritarian leader

Question 26

What event laid the groundwork for the Mexican Revolution?

Answer 26

Widespread dissatisfaction with Díaz’s authoritarian rule

Question 27

Fill in the blank: Porfirio Díaz’s rule is often remembered for ________ and ________.

Answer 27

Progress and repression