Ten Tragic Days: The Fall of Porfirio Díaz
The Ten Tragic Days, also known as the Decena Trágica, refers to a series of events that took place in Mexico City from February 9 to February 19, 1913. These events marked the end of the long-lasting regime of Mexican President Porfirio Díaz and led to a period of political instability and violence in the country.
Background:
Porfirio Díaz had been in power in Mexico for over three decades, following his initial rise to power in 1876. His regime, known as the Porfiriato, was characterized by authoritarian rule, economic modernization, and foreign investment. However, Díaz’s government was also marked by widespread corruption, social inequality, and the suppression of political opposition.
The Madero Revolution:
In 1910, Francisco I. Madero, a wealthy landowner and advocate for democratic reforms, launched a revolution against Díaz’s regime. Madero’s call for “effective suffrage and no re-election” resonated with many Mexicans who were dissatisfied with Díaz’s prolonged rule. The revolution gained momentum, and by 1911, Díaz was forced to resign and Madero became the new president of Mexico.
Political Instability:
Madero’s presidency, however, was short-lived and marked by political instability. His inability to address the demands of various factions within Mexico led to discontent and opposition from both conservative and revolutionary groups. One of the key figures who opposed Madero was General Victoriano Huerta, who eventually orchestrated a coup against the president.
The Ten Tragic Days:
On February 9, 1913, a rebellion against Madero’s government began in Mexico City. The rebellion was led by General Bernardo Reyes and Félix Díaz, Porfirio Díaz’s nephew. The rebels quickly gained control of key government buildings and military installations in the city, including the National Palace and the arsenal.
Madero, realizing the gravity of the situation, appointed General Victoriano Huerta as his new Minister of War in an attempt to quell the rebellion. However, Huerta betrayed Madero and conspired with the rebels to overthrow the president. On February 18, Madero and his vice president, José María Pino Suárez, were arrested and forced to resign.
Aftermath:
The fall of Madero’s government marked the end of the Mexican Revolution’s initial phase and the beginning of a new period of political turmoil. Huerta assumed the presidency, but his regime was widely seen as illegitimate and faced opposition from both revolutionary forces and foreign governments, including the United States.
The events of the Ten Tragic Days also had a profound impact on Mexican society. The violence and instability that followed led to a breakdown of law and order, with widespread looting and reprisals against perceived enemies. Many Mexicans, disillusioned with the political system, turned to revolutionary leaders such as Emiliano Zapata and Pancho Villa, who would play significant roles in the subsequent phases of the Mexican Revolution.
Conclusion:
The Ten Tragic Days marked a turning point in Mexican history, as it brought an end to the Porfiriato and set the stage for further political and social upheaval. The events highlighted the deep divisions within Mexican society and the fragility of political institutions. The fall of Madero’s government and the subsequent rise of Huerta would ultimately lead to a more radical phase of the Mexican Revolution, as different factions fought for control of the country.
