The Rise and Fall of President Madero

The Abridged History of Francisco Madero

The Mexican Revolution was a tumultuous time for the young country.

Few Figures stand as emblematic of its hopes, contradictions, and tragedies as President Francisco Madero. His ascent to power marked a shift in Mexican politics and a promising end to the long-standing dictatorship of Porfirio Diaz. Yet, Madero’s presidency was plagued with challenges, which led to his ultimate downfalls.

Here is the abridged history of President Madero’s downfall.

The Spark of Revolution

In March of 1908, Pearson Magazine featured an exclusive interview with Mexican Dictator Porfirio Diaz.

James Creelman traveled from New York to Mexico City, where, at the historical Chapultepec Castle met with the aging president. In the Interview, Diaz expressed the willingness to step down if a political party arose to challenge and win the election.

He even suggested being willing to offer advice to the new government.

The interview sparked intense opposition to the president.

Two years later Francisco Madero would rise to challenge Diaz in the 1910 election.

Any excitement for the election was quickly silenced as President Diaz had Madero arrested. The Washington Post reported on the 15th of June 1910 that Madero and other notable Mexicans who were critical of the Diaz Regime were quickly arrested. The reasoning for the politically charged arrests was spun as being beneficial to the safety of the republic. It was a move that completely countered the stance Diaz claimed in the Pearson interview.

The Mexican Revolution had begun, and Madero became its leader.

The Rise…

Madero would eventually become the president after Diaz resigned after the defeat of the federal forces at Ciudad Juarez in May of 1911.

Madero’s presidency faced challenges at the onset. Any attempt at reform alienated the powerful landowners, industrialists, and military leaders. While Diaz did resign, many of the powerful elite stayed in their positions. Madero inherited Diaz’s regime.

His time in office did not last long as a counter-revolution and betrayal saw Madero Captured and murdered.

The Fall…

The Washington Post reported on February 15th, 1913, That Madero was to resign as president of Mexico. This was a rumor, however, and he denied any such resignation from taking place.

It had also reported that General Huerta had ordered a cease fire and a detachment of federals had been seen marching towards the palace in a casual manner.

Their guns slung on their backs.

Shortly thereafter, Huerta took over the government and held Madero as a prisoner. General Huerta had co-conspired with a relative of Diaz and turned against Madero. The political assassination of Madero stained much of Huerta’s infamous legacy.

Huerta denied executing Madero.

While in exile in New York after his short reign, Huerta gave an interview where he adamantly denied being responsible for the murder but claimed to know the secret of who did.

A secret he intended to keep.

He claimed that if doctors and Lawyers could keep secrets, why couldn’t a soldier? He believed that history would absolve him of the accusations and the truth would come to light.

Over a hundred years since the Mexican Revolution, historians on both sides of the Rio Grande believe he gave the orders to kill President Madero.

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Bibliography

Creelman, James. “President Diaz: Hero of the Americas.” Pearson’s Magazine XIX, no. No.3, March 1908. https://last100.sites.olt.ubc.ca/files/2015/07/creelman_interview.pdf.

“Francisco Madero: Media.” Encyclopædia Britannica. Accessed April 25, 2024. https://www.britannica.com/biography/Francisco-Madero/images-videos.

“Gen. Huerta Denies Executing Madero: Knows Who Shot President, ‘but It Is a Secret.’ Is a Critic of Mr. Wilson Declares That Administration Was Misled by Reports. ‘Cannot Conquer Mexico’ Former President of the Mexican Republic Issues a Long Statement at New York Defending His Course as Dictator, and Explaining the Events That Led up to Madero’s Killing -- Declares Anarchy Reigns Because No Man Now in Power in Mexico Can Bring Peace -- Sixteen Million People Will Fight Intervention. Huerta Denies Causing Madero’s Death.” The Washington Post  (1877-1922), April 16, 1915.

“Mexicans Stop Fighting to Let Madero Resign: Document Believed to Be in Hands of Mexican Congress. de La Barra May Be President Friends Urge Madero to End Danger of Inter- Vention by Retiring -- Plans for Change Made at British Legation -- Officials Here Feel Relief -- Warships to Patrol Mexican Ports. Mexicans Stop Figthing to Let Madero Resign.” The Washington Post  (1877-1922), February 15, 1913.

“Porfirio Díaz: Media.” Encyclopædia Britannica. Accessed April 25, 2024. https://www.britannica.com/biography/Porfirio-Diaz/images-videos.

The, Special To. “Many Political Arrests.: Turmoil in Mexican States of Coahuila and Nuevo Leon Continue.” The Washington Post  (1877-1922), June 15, 1910.

“Victoriano Huerta.” Wikipedia, April 19, 2024. https://es.wikipedia.org/wiki/Victoriano_Huerta.