Díaz has been a controversial figure in Mexican history. His regime ended political turmoil and promoted economic development. He and his allies comprised a group of technocrats known as "Científicos", "scientists". His economic policies largely benefited his circle of allies as well as foreign investors, and helped a few wealthy estate-owning ' acquire huge areas of land, leaving rural ' unable to make a living. In later years, these policies grew unpopular due to civil repression and political conflicts, as well as challenges from labor and the peasantry, groups that did not share in Mexico's prosperity.