Revolution from Exile
Francisco Madero used his presidential election loss to Porfirio Diaz to incite revolution from exile in the United States. Madero’s “Plan de San Luis Potosi” was aimed at political reform, and paid lip service to the social and economic reforms campesinos and nationalists wanted. Madero was committed to political stability, he wanted to just tinker with the system not destroy it. Campesinos on the other hand wanted major changes to the system, most had been negatively impacted by the Porfirato’s economic policies.
Madero quickly angered the revolutionary leaders that helped to bring him to power. He angered Zapata and his followers when he refused to comply with their demands for quick and meaningful land reform. He further insulted his former allies when he formed his government and left many supporters from his cabinet, instead filling it with family members and well-connected members of the Diaz regime. When these revolutionaries protested Madero sent the army of Porfirio Diaz to crush the counter-revolution. “In hindsight, Madero should have rewarded his revolutionary supporters and kept the conservatives at arm’s length.” (Gonzales, p. 87)
This early period of revolution in Mexico shows the importance of following leaders who have the revolution’s goals at heart. Madero failed to make the changes that most Mexicans desired. Because of this failure, his presidency, and life did not last long. A successful revolution requires a willingness to make major changes to government. Creativity to envision a new world is an important trait in a revolutionary leader, one that Madero did not possess.
Madero’s importance in the Mexican Revolution cannot be understated. His decision to stand by his word and hold immediate elections helped Mexico move toward democratic elections, far from the election facades that Diaz held. He helped inch the country forward toward the original goals of the revolution.
Gonzales, Michael J. The Mexican Revolution, 1910–1940. Albuquerque: University of New Mexico Press, 2002.
