Poison-Pen Diplomacy: Mexico, 1913
Following more than three decades of conservative dictatorship in Mexico Porfirio Diaz was overthrown by the idealistic Francisco Madero in 1911. Madero was impractical and disorganized and the unrest, which had characterized the last years under Diaz, continued throughout the brief presidency of his successor. In February 1913 a rising under Felix Diaz, nephew of the old dictator, led to civil war within the capital. The fall of Madero was assured when General Victoriano Huerta, who commanded the government forces, switched sides and implemented the arrest of the President. A pact between Felix Diaz and Huerta led to the provisional presidency of Huerta with Diaz lurking in the background as potential candidate for the permanent presidency.