Porfirio Díaz

Born to modest means in Oaxaca, Díaz abandoned seminary studies for law under the mentorship of Benito Juárez, then fought with the Liberals against Santa Anna and the Conservatives through the Reform War. He became a military hero resisting the French intervention — captured at Puebla in 1863, he escaped and commanded forces across Southern Mexico until Oaxaca fell in 1865, escaped again seven months later, and led the troops that retook Mexico City in 1867 as the Second Empire collapsed. He revolted twice against sitting presidents on the principle of no re-election, finally ousting Sebastiá…