The Mexican Revolution and the United States in the Collections of the Library of Congress
The Fall of the Porfiriato and the Rise of Francisco Madero
[Mexican insurrection activities: Francisco Madero, with Mrs. Madero and Miss Campa, reading a peace message]. Prints and Photographs Division, Library of Congress. Reproduction Number: LC-USZ62-44272 (b&w film copy neg.)
Mexicans had high hopes for an administration led by Francisco I. Madero and everyone was watching what he would do. To many, a Mexican revolution meant land reform so that they could farm enough so everyone could eat. To others, the revolution simply implied government without Porfirio Díaz and his elderly cronies. To still others, it meant political reform and an end to ceaseless reelection and voter fraud. Finally, quite a few in Madero’s group thought purely in terms of personal power and how they could use their closeness to the new president to gain authority, prestige, and wealth. Ultimately, all of these supporters would find themselves disappointed in the new regime and in revolt.
