The Revolutionary Election of 1876 in Mexico

Abstract This chapter examines the 1876 presidential election in Mexico. Though it was at first sight a non-contested election, the succession of the incumbent president, Sebastián Lerdo de Tejada, became a serious disputed matter, politically, legally, and, in the end, militarily. Its outcome marked the downfall of the Restored Republic (1867–76) and beginning of the long rule of Porfirio Díaz, which lasted until 1910. After looking at the background of the 1876 elections, the chapter will examine the electoral results and the behavior of winners and losers and explain why the election contributed to the political and military success of the Tuxtepec revolt that led to the Porfiriato.