Mexico's history (specifically profiriato regime)?

Question

i just have a few questions about the profirato regime.

Under Diaz, what kind of government did Mexico have? was it some sort of republic?

Also, what did Diaz do that prompted Madero to revolt? I know that Madero was pushing for a more democratic government, and that he said that Diaz's regime was good for the old Mexico, but the new Mexico needs change. What exactly was Diaz doing?

thanks :]

Answer 1

Diaz had a totalitarian form of government, with a type of governing body.  However, Diaz was impressed with the courts of Europe and little by little became an absolute dictator.  He fashioned himself as a monarch, thereby angering Madero and the more progressive supporters to revolt.  They did not want to be associated with monarchs and resented the European influence in Diaz' government.  There was an excellent documentary on the History Channel a few weeks back, and I'm not sure whether I have all of my facts correct, but you can find on-line books and articles giving a more in-depth explanation.