Jorge Ubico vs Porfirio Diaz

Jorge Ubico became president of Guatemala after winning a rigged election. He quickly established a dictatorship, suspending civil liberties, and centralizing power.

Ubico continued and expanded the policies of Estrada Cabrera, granting the United Fruit Company vast land holdings, tax exemptions, and control over infrastructure. This deepened U.S. corporate influence in Guatemala.

Ubico enacted a vagrancy law requiring all landless peasants to work a certain number of days per year on coffee plantations or public works. This effectively created a system of forced labor that benefited large landowners.

Ubico resigned the presidency in June 1944 after widespread protests and a general strike. His resignation ended 13 years of dictatorship and paved the way for the Guatemalan Revolution.

Diaz issued the Plan of Tuxtepec, rebelling against President Sebastian Lerdo de Tejada's re-election. He defeated government forces and assumed the presidency, beginning a 35-year dictatorship.

Diaz implemented policies attracting foreign investment, building railroads, and expanding mining and agriculture. Mexico experienced economic growth but with increased foreign control and wealth inequality.

Diaz celebrated Mexico's centennial with grand festivities, showcasing modernization. The event masked growing discontent, as Francisco I. Madero's anti-re-election movement gained momentum, leading to the Mexican Revolution.

After the Treaty of Ciudad Juarez, Diaz resigned the presidency and went into exile in France. His departure ended the Porfiriato and allowed Madero to assume power, though it did not end the revolution.