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.