Shortest Presidential Term in History
February 19th, 1913
February 19th, 1913

How Long Ago?
112 years, 24 days ago
Location
Mexico City, Mexico
Category
Politics & Government
People
- Pedro Lascuráin
- Victoriano Huerta
- Francisco I. Madero
Links & References
Tags
Shortest Presidential Term in History
Pedro Lascuráin became President of Mexico for 45 minutes during a coup led by Victoriano Huerta. Lascuráin was appointed to facilitate Huerta's takeover after President Francisco I. Madero was ousted. The brief presidency allowed Huerta to quickly assume control of the Mexican government, demonstrating the instability of the political situation in Mexico at the time.
Lascuráin's term lasted only 45 minutes.
The coup aimed to overthrow President Madero.
Lascuráin resigned to facilitate Huerta's takeover.
His presidency highlights Mexico's political instability.
What Happened?
In the turbulent atmosphere of early 20th-century Mexico, political instability was rampant as various factions vied for power. On February 19, 1913, Pedro Lascuráin served as President of Mexico for an astonishingly brief period of 45 minutes. This event occurred during a coup orchestrated by Victoriano Huerta, who sought to overthrow the democratically elected President Francisco I. Madero. Lascuráin, a member of Madero's cabinet, was thrust into the presidency as a strategic maneuver to facilitate Huerta's ambitions.
The coup unfolded quickly, with Huerta's forces gaining ground and detaining Madero. Lascuráin took the oath of office, but the political machinations were already in play. Recognizing the fleeting nature of his presidency, he resigned almost immediately to make way for Huerta. Huerta's ascendance marked a significant departure from Madero's progressive policies and led to a series of violent conflicts, known as the Mexican Revolution, which would engulf the nation for years to come. Lascuráin's presidency, although ephemeral, highlights the extreme volatility within Mexican politics.
This 45-minute presidency stands as a unique occurrence in global political history, illustrating the often precarious nature of leadership during times of upheaval. The entire series of events exemplifies the broader struggle in Mexico between revolutionary ideals and authoritarian control, a conflict that would resonate profoundly in Mexico's sociopolitical landscape for decades.
Why Does it Matter?
The brief presidency of Pedro Lascuráin is noteworthy due to its unprecedented nature—no other president has held office for such a short duration. This event symbolizes the fragmentation and volatility of Mexican politics during the early 20th century, reflecting the challenges faced by democratically elected leaders amidst military and political coups. Additionally, it serves as a precursor to the deeper conflicts of the Mexican Revolution, which led to long-term societal and political changes in Mexico.
Discover More Historic Events from February 19th
Mya Thwe Thwe Khine: First Casualty of Protests
Mya Thwe Thwe Khine, a 19-year-old from Myanmar, was critically injured during anti-coup protests following the military coup that took place earlier in February 2021. She was shot by police while participating in a march against the junta in Naypyidaw, leading to widespread outrage and protests across the country. Her death sparked increased demonstrations, marking a significant escalation in resistance against the military government.
Continue ReadingNine Killed in Hanau Terrorist Shootings
In Hanau, Hesse, Germany, two shootings occurred at shisha bars, resulting in the deaths of nine individuals and leaving several others injured. The attacks took place in the early hours of the evening, targeting predominantly people of migrant descent, and quickly raised concerns about rising xenophobia and far-right extremism in Germany. The shooter was later found dead, along with a family member at his home, prompting investigations into his motivations and connections.
Continue ReadingForty-four killed in Apodaca prison fight
A violent confrontation erupted in the Apodaca prison in Nuevo León, Mexico, resulting in the deaths of forty-four inmates. The violence began around midnight and reportedly involved rival gangs within the prison. Authorities stated that the fight continued for hours before police were able to restore order. Despite efforts to control the situation, overcrowding and insufficient resources contributed to the unrest. This incident highlighted ongoing issues with the prison system in Mexico, particularly regarding gang violence and inadequacy in rehabilitation efforts.
Continue ReadingBelitung Shipwreck Exhibition Launches in Singapore
The debut exhibition of artifacts from the Belitung shipwreck opened at the Asian Civilisations Museum in Singapore, showcasing the largest collection of Tang dynasty relics discovered together in one find. This remarkable display highlighted over 200 pieces, including pottery, gold, silver, and glassware, dating back to the 9th century. Visitors had the opportunity to witness the richness of Tang dynasty trade and culture through these invaluable artifacts, enhancing understanding of historical connections in maritime trade.
Continue ReadingMethane Explosion Claims Lives of Miners
A methane explosion occurred in a coal mine near Nueva Rosita, Mexico, tragically killing 65 miners. The explosion, which happened during a shift change, was attributed to the buildup of highly flammable methane gas. Rescue efforts were immediately initiated, but the hazardous conditions complicated the situation, leading to significant delays in retrieving the miners.
Continue ReadingIlyushin Il-76 Aircraft Crash in Iran
An Ilyushin Il-76 military aircraft crashed in Kerman, Iran, resulting in the deaths of 275 people. The plane, operated by the Iranian military, was reportedly on a routine flight when it encountered difficulties shortly after takeoff. Witnesses described seeing smoke trail and hearing explosions before the aircraft went down, emphasizing the tragic scale of the incident. This disaster is one of the deadliest aviation accidents in Iran's history and raised concerns over the safety protocols in place for military transportation.
Continue Reading