Final answer:
The dictator at the start of the Mexican Revolution was Porfirio Díaz, who was forced to resign in 1911 following uprisings instigated by Francisco Madero.
Step-by-step explanation:
The dictator at the beginning of the Mexican Revolution was Porfirio Díaz. He had ruled Mexico since 1884 with a firm hand, favoring wealthy landowners and business interests, leading to significant social and economic disparities in the country. In 1910, the liberal politician Francisco Madero opposed Díaz’s re-election, resulting in a rigged election and Madero’s arrest. After Madero’s escape and call to arms, popular uprisings eventually forced Díaz to resign and go into exile in 1911, marking the beginning of the Mexican Revolution.
Although Francisco Madero became the president after Díaz, he failed to implement expected reforms, resulting in his ousting and execution. General Victoriano Huerta then seized power, ruling briefly in a dictatorial manner similar to Díaz. Huerta's regime faced opposition from several revolutionary leaders, including Emiliano Zapata and Pancho Villa, eventually leading to his downfall.