Date of Award

2012-01-01

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy

Department

History

Advisor(s)

Samuel Brunk

Abstract

Porfirio Dí­az came to power in 1876 and ruled Mexico for over three decades. This period has been known as the Porfiriato. Mexico's economy became part of the modern global market and the country experienced a process of industrialization, the rise of foreign trade, the expansion of communications, and the emergence of new social classes. These series of economic and social transformations have been linked with the country's early modernization.

My dissertation contributes new insights into Mexico's process of modernization and shows how this transformation brought the rise of an entrepreneurial class under Porfirio Dí­az guidance and leadership. My dissertation lends transparency to the role of Porfirio Dí­az as an entrepreneur, and examines the diversified enterprises that Dí­az promoted, founded and developed while in power. My work details the incorporation of Dí­az companies and partnerships, and lays out a system of corruption with conflicts of interest, the use of privileged information for personal gain, the privatization of policymaking and quid pro quo arrangements that bolstered Dí­az's entrepreneurial career.

My dissertation shows that Dí­az used and abused power for personal gain, concentrating power in the presidency, manipulating legislation to his favor, facilitating the emergence of a hierarchical, loyal and privileged elite, and expanding foreign businesses in the country .

Language

en

Provenance

Received from ProQuest

File Size

315 pages

File Format

application/pdf

Rights Holder

Jorge H. Jimenez

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