He led a military coup in 1876 and was elected President the following year. During his second term of office he introduced a highly centralized government, backed by loyal mestizos and landowners, which removed powers from rural workers and American Indians. Díaz promoted the development of Mexico’s infrastructure and industry, using foreign capital and engineers to build railways, bridges, and mines. Eventually the poor performance of Mexico’s economy and the rise of a democratic movement under Francisco Madero (1873–1913) contributed to Díaz’s forced resignation and exile in 1911.