How Did Caudillos Juan Manuel de Rosas and Porfirio Diaz, Maintain Political Power?

Throughout history, numerous leaders of society have been labeled with stigmas such as the names of tyrant, immoral, and even diabolical, for their seemingly reprehensible acts; however, it is in very limited history textbooks that those that influence the infamous rulers are ever mentioned at all. Niccolo Machiavelli, a product of the Renaissance, is one of these historical figures not often mentioned in the stories of unprincipled leaders. In his most famous pieces of literature, such as The Prince, and Discourses on Livy, this man advocates unscrupulous actions if necessary to fulfill one’s objectives, yielding him to become associated with treachery and craftiness. Similarly, in William Shakespeare’s play, Macbeth, Lady Macbeth influences

Anywhere you go, there will be a community ruled by a leader. The qualities of leaders play a vital role in the success or failure of a society; if these qualities are effective, it allows the country to be successful and the ruler’s to fulfill the country’s needs. However, the absence of effective leadership qualities result in severe effects towards the country. When comparing the thoughts of Lao-Tzu and Machiavelli, it becomes obvious these two authors have different beliefs on how to be an effective leader. Machiavelli was a historian in Italy, a diplomat, a philosopher, a politician, and a writer during the era of the Renaissance. Lao-Tzu, during the 6th century, was an ancient Chinese philosopher. These two authors approach at almost entirely different positions. For this reason, it is a natural progression to collocate the two in an effort to better understand the qualities a leader should possess. To prove their philosophies, Lao-Tzu and Machiavelli have sought to reach a more complete understanding of each other’s thoughts on the subjects of war and weapons, qualities of leaders and the people, and how to govern.

By 1910, Diaz was eighty years old and was losing his grip on political opposition. Francisco Madero, a wealthy son of an elite family, proposed to run against Diaz. Madero believed that some democratic political reforms would relieve social tensions and allow the government to continue its economic developments with minimum unrest. This was much more than Diaz could handle and he threw Madero in jail. When he got out of jail, he called for a revolt.

Porfirio Diaz was the president of Mexico when the Revolution broke out. He was elected in 1877, and although he swore to step down in 1880, he continued to be reelected until 1910. He claimed that he was justified in this because he brought stability to Mexico. However, this was hardly the case. Diaz's regime aimed to industrialize Mexico, and foreign investors such as the United States and Britain

“A call to arms by Francisco Madero, a leader of the prodemocracy forces, united the disparate groups opposed to Diaz which succeeded in overthrowing the Porfirian government and forcing Diaz into exile” (Vanden & Prevost 319).

Throughout all the worlds significant and powerful leaders, Adolf Hitler and Benito Mussolini were two men that similarly abused their powers in ways never seen before.

José de la Cruz Porfirio Diaz Mori, the 29th president of Mexico, opened Mexico to foreign investors and companies who exploited Mexico’s resources such as land, copper, gold, silver, water, and cheap labor for corporate gain. This caused economic instability in the way that Mexico placed power in the hands of large corporations and Mexican politicians.

The ruler is a dominant character whose core desire is to rule, but suffers from the fear of being overthrown. If the ruler had a motto it would be “power isn’t everything, it’s the only thing” (Golden). These characteristics describe Trujillo perfectly. Trujillo’s desire led him to become “[. . .] president in a sneaky way. First, he was in the army, and all the people who were above him kept disappearing until he was the one right below the head of the whole armed forces” (Alvarez 17). Readers are able to obtain better knowledge about Trujillo’s motivations by knowing he is a ruler. Trujillo’s need of control is why he does what he does. If a person does or says something Trujillo does not approve of everyone will “[. . .] be killed. It’s the secret of Trujillo” (Alvarez 17). He carries out such horrible acts because he knows he can and it is his way of scaring the citizens in order for him to keep his

Díaz served as Mexican president until 1910. During his time in office, the Mexican economy and lifestyle were fairly successful; Mexico had good trade relations with the U.S. and other countries, and the wealthy landowners were making a sizeable profit. However, the huge population of laborers who worked to produce that success were suffering bitterly. Mexico

Diaz used this philosophy to make reasons for his policies. Diaz kept his old slogan "liberty, order, progress", but, the word liberty was removed from the slogan. Another slogan "few politics, much administration” also became common and popular. Foreign firms began to invest in Mexico because it became more structurally and economically stable. These investments gave Diaz the money he needed to construct highways, railroads, telegraph lines, and new industries. The city of Veracruz used the money to create oil fields, and elsewhere the mining industry was brought back. Mexico, fifty years before was seen as a third-world nation, became the standard for developing countries because of its high tech industry and technology. Although these were all big steps for Mexico's economy, in the end it was responsible for the bringing down of Diaz. (Encarta 98, www.eh.net.htm)

Mexico suffered ten years of war, suffering, and turmoil. Mexican leaders during 1910-1920 were unable to hold the country together and a revolution consumed the nation. The Mexican people grew tired of political greed, lack of support, and unequal treatment. Several leaders such as President Diaz would prove to be a man of one interest, himself. Others would quickly rise against him and attempt to claim the presidency. General Huerta and Francisco

An interview given by Diaz in 1908 was read by Francisco I. Madero and he was inspired to gather supporters to defeat Diaz in the 1910 election. In the interview Diaz said that he thought Mexico could handle free elections by 1910 (Summary 4). Madero was a strong believer in democracy and realized that Diaz had a monopoly with the government. Madero thought that Diaz should step down from office (Consul General 1-2). By the time 1910 came around Madero had inspired many citizens and had quite a group of followers. His chances for election were very good and Diaz got scared. Right before the elections in 1910, Diaz falsely accused Madero and had him thrown in jail. Diaz is once again elected as president. Madero was soon released and, learning of Diaz’s reelection, he fled to Texas (Summary 4). While there he stated that the elections were illegitimate and that he was the President Pro-Temp until new elections could be held (Consul General 2). He also wrote a document, which called for a revolt on November 20, 1910 which marks the start of the Mexican Revolution (Summary 5).

Niccolò Machiavelli was an activist of analyzing power. He believed firmly in his theories and he wanted to persuade everyone else of them as well. To comment on the common relationship that was seen between moral goodness and legitimate authority of those who held power, Machiavelli said that authority and power were essentially coequal.9 He believed that whomever had power obtained the right to command; but goodness does not ensure power. This implied that the only genuine apprehension of the administrative power was the attainment and preservation of powers which indirectly guided the maintenance of the state. That, to him, should have been the objective of all leaders. Machiavelli believed that one should do whatever it took, during the given circumstance, to keep his people in favor of him and to maintain the state. Thus, all leaders should have both a sly fox and ravenous wolf inside of him prepared to release when necessary.10

Niccolo Machiavelli stressed that “one ought to be both feared and loved, but as it is difficult for the two to go together, it is much safer to be feared than loved…for love is held by a chain of obligation which, men being selfish, is broken whenever it serves their purpose; but fear is maintained by a dread of punishment which never fails.” He felt that a true leader must be cunning and deceptive, winning the hearts of his people through power and influence. If he could not be liked, he could at least get by knowing he has intimidated these below him into submission. However rash or cruel this may seem, Machiavelli’s argument is not one to be countered easily.

Mexico’s pursuit of free trade agreements with other countries is a way to bring benefits to the