Figure 1.--TYhis is Madero barnstorming thrughout Mexico in his run fior the oresidebcy. Díaz did not take him seriously, calling him El Loquito-(little crazy man). Butvthen Madero began attracting crowds and interest in the election grew. Eventually, Díaz order Madero and his supoorters arrested.

When Díaz opened the door for a real, free wlection. Madero took him seriouskly. We are niot sure many iother NMexicabns did. He decided to enter the race even after Díaz changed his mind and ran for another reelction. He sold property to finance his candidacy. Madero does notv seem ton have fully understood the danger. He was phyically an unimposing man, small in stature, and an unlikely person to challenge the great man who had dominated the country for nearly four decades. Madero was no evolutionaryb or radical, but actually believed in democracy. This was in part because of his time in France and the United States. Madero under the banner of the Anti-Reelectionist Party ran against Díaz. Madero's young wife, Sara Pérez Gutiérrez de Madero, played an active part in the campaign--the first woman in Mexico to do so. His campaigning earned him the title 'Apostle of Democracy'. Madero became largely famous in Mexico for his book--The Presidential Succession of 1910. Díaz was furious when he learned of the book and called Elm loquito--the little crazy man. He ordered the arrest of Madero. Madero as a professional man and landowner provided a center around whomh opposition to the dictatorship of Porfirio Díaz could coalesce--both progresive forces and conservatives. Madero energeticallt traveled thrioughout Mexico, attrascting imoressivev criwds. Díaz had promised a democratic election, but that was when he had expected to be lionized by a grateful Mexican people. He was enfuriated that this did not occur. Sensing that Madero and his supporters were becoming a real challenge, Diaz order the arrest of Madero and about 5,000 other Anti-Reelectionists. Francisco Vázquez Gómez took over the party's nomination With Madero in jail, the election took place. Díaz was declared the winner with 99 percent of the vote. The public, however, was convinced that there had been massive electoral fraud resulting in voter. There was, however, no ioutcry as the Porfiriato was so deeply entrenched.

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Created: 2:42 AM 12/6/2022
Last updated: 2:42 AM 12/6/2022