France invaded in 1863, disrupting Juarez's successful efforts to improve Mexico; however, Juarez fought back and resumed power from 1867-1877, continuing his quest for effective democracy. He slowly mended the country's war-scars and oppression, but people remained impatient. Porfirio Díaz capitalized on this impatience and overthrew Juarez in 1877 as a dictator. Fear among Mexicans was his goal; he literally hired the most ferocious bandits of the land as law enforcement agents, a tactic of forced obedience. Díaz maintained control over Mexico between 1877 and 1910, in which he prioritized Mexico's international affairs.
             Between 1750 and 1900, the three types of government in were monarchies, democracies, and dictatorships. The principal monarchy was Spain's, which extended until 1822. During that period, there was an influential caste system. Because Spain controlled the country, they made the decision to put Spaniards above Mexican whites (Criollos) at the top of society, while natives and blacks were at the bottom. Castes affected people's careers, education, respect, and prestige. Because of Spaniards' arrogance, they showed little respect to even white Mexicans prior to the revolution. Among the Criollos, the priests and government officials had the most power. Many laws were biased, and gave high castes more liberties. Women were treated as inferiors, regardless of their caste, but both men and women of low castes were abused, oppressed, and enslaved.
             Social life for Mexicans between 1822 and 1900 was rigid under every government. Although each form of government had different ideals, leaders before 1855 were overly concerned with power, with less care for common people. Every leader's desperation for control hindered Mexico. Leaders lacked strict discipline to reform the country. No matter who was elected, the government showed little commitment toward improving Mexico. Although the c...