José de la Cruz Porfirio Díaz Mori was born in Oaxaca, Mexico in 1830. He studied at a local school and seminary but left to join a science and arts institute. In 1877, after fighting political groups seeking the presidency, Díaz became president of Mexico through an agreement recognizing him as the leader. Díaz then ruled Mexico from 1876 to 1911, focusing on order, capitalism, and foreign investment to develop Mexico's economy through industries like railroads.