Porfirio Diaz's Contributions Towards Mexico's Material Prosperity

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Porfirio Diaz contributions towards his country’s material prosperity pulled Mexico out of it stagnate position, and in this prosperity one of the greatest factors was the rapid development of the Mexican railroad transportation facilities. Through Diaz’s progression not even his biggest enemies could deny the success that quickly followed his movement. When Diaz first took office there was only two small lines of rails, and through this progress, Mexico expanded over nineteen thousand miles of rails. As a result of Diaz’s success, railroads promoted both growth and underdevelopment, which secured Mexico as a state.

Before the coming of the railroad, dirt trails and highways, which were built by the early Spaniards, were the main form of transport for the modern Mexican. Both forms of transport, which have proven not only to be timely, but also costly, formed obstacles in the way of development and expanding the great resources within the country. According to Railroads of Mexico, “mulls and wagons traveled an average of fifteen to eighteen miles per day” (Powell, 94). For this inefficient and timely reason, Mexico was stuck in a stagnant position, until the arrival of the railroads. How was Mexico supposed to grow economically, politically, and industrially when the entire country is operating in slow motion?

Subsequently, Mexican transport by any means was not accompanied by comfort and pleasure. The retched highways of Mexico were a factor that most Mexicans tried to avoid, for one main reason; the natural causes of deterioration of Mexico’s highways made for an uncomfortable long ride. One early traveler of Mexico explains, “I have traveled on rough roads in my time, but such a road as this never” (Powell, 97). ...

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...h this era of progress towards complete stabilization, Mexico was still lacking the provision of better educational opportunities. Mexico was a state compiled of Indians and people of mixed blood, and having said that, illiteracy and educational facilities were extremely low. In order to stay on the road of prosperity created by Diaz, it was up to the next leader “Madero” to give proper attentions to the needs of the common people.

Works Cited

Fred, W. Powell. “The Railroads of Mexico.” Stratford Co. Boston. 1921

Osgood, Hardy. “The Revolution and the Railroads of Mexico.” University of California Pres. 1934

The Journal of Economic History, Vol. 39, No. 4 (Dec., 1979), pp. 939-960

Published by: Cambridge University Press on behalf of the Economic History Association

Rock. “History 8 Reader.” University of California Santa Barbara. Pp. 105-109

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