This was a common theme throughout the rule of Porfirio Diaz. Advacments were often made at the expense of nations poorest citizens. Historian Majorie Becker once referred to the campesinos as "the lowest economic denominator" and indeed that is how the masses were treated.

The economic causes of the revolution is a fascinating perspective since it permeates all other aspects of revolutionary Mexico. Economic growth during the Porfiriato truly was a double edged sword. Regarding the economic history prior the this period, it is hard to think of an alternative that could have turned out better.