Famous Mexican Military Leaders

Lázaro Cárdenas del Río was a Mexican army officer and politician who served as president of Mexico from 1934 to 1940. He played a significant role in the Mexican Revolution, rising to become a general in the Constitutional Army. Cárdenas also served as Governor of Michoacán, President of the Institutional Revolutionary Party, and Secretary of National Defence. During his presidency, he implemented major land reform programs, nationalized the oil industry, and introduced various left-leaning reforms, leaving a lasting impact on Mexican politics and society.

Plutarco Elías Calles was a Mexican soldier and politician who served as President of Mexico from 1924 to 1928. After the assassination of Álvaro Obregón, he founded the Institutional Revolutionary Party and held unofficial power as Mexico's de facto leader from 1929 to 1934, known as the Maximato. Throughout his career, he held various key positions in government, including Secretary of War and Secretary of the Interior, and implemented left-wing populist and secularist reforms. Calles's presidency saw significant infrastructure and public health improvements but was marked by the controversial Cristero War and his crackdown on labor unions.

Manuel del Refugio González Flores was a Mexican military general and liberal politician who served as the 35th President of Mexico from 1880 to 1884. Prior to his presidency, he played key roles in the Mexican-American War and the Reform War. He fought for the Mexican Republic during the French intervention in Mexico under General Porfirio Díaz's command. González supported Díaz's bid for the presidency and served as Mexican Secretary of War in Díaz's administration. His presidency is noted for significant diplomatic and domestic achievements, despite later accusations of corruption.

José Victoriano Huerta Márquez was a general in the Mexican Federal Army and the 39th President of Mexico. He rose to power through a coup against President Francisco I. Madero, leading to a new wave of armed conflict in the Mexican Revolution. Huerta had a military career under Presidents Porfirio Díaz and Francisco León de la Barra before joining a conspiracy against Madero in 1913. His government faced resistance from the U.S., leading to his eventual resignation and exile to Spain. Huerta's regime was widely criticized, and he is remembered negatively by modern-day Mexicans.

Subcomandante Marcos, also known as Rafael Sebastián Guillén Vicente, is a Mexican insurgent and former military leader of the Zapatista Army of National Liberation. He played a key role in the EZLN's rebellion in 1994 and subsequently transitioned to a public relations strategist for the movement. Marcos is known for his charismatic personality, trademark ski mask, and pipe. He is a prolific writer, with numerous anti-capitalist works advocating for indigenous rights. His literary talents have been widely acclaimed, with translations of his writings available in multiple languages.

Álvaro Obregón Salido was a Mexican military general and politician who served as the 46th President of Mexico from 1920 to 1924, overseeing stability and implementing significant reforms. He rose to prominence during the Mexican Revolution, becoming a key leader in the Constitutionalist Army and later achieving victory over rival factions. Despite facing internal rebellions, he maintained control and secured U.S. diplomatic recognition. Obregón's pragmatic approach and unifying efforts left a lasting impact on Mexican politics, shaping the country's trajectory for decades to come.

John Sutter, a Swiss immigrant turned Mexican and American citizen, is renowned for founding Sutter's Fort in what would become Sacramento, California. His employee's gold discovery at Sutter's Mill sparked the California Gold Rush. While Sutter's own business endeavors faltered during this period, his son John Augustus Sutter Jr. achieved notable success. John Sutter's legacy is marked by his pivotal role in the early development of California and the significant impact of the gold discovery on the region.

Margarita Neri was a prominent figure in the Mexican Revolution, known for her leadership as a Zapatista commander. She played a crucial role in the conflict, displaying strategic prowess and fearlessness in battle. Neri led a sizable army of over 1000 soldiers through regions like Tabasco and Chiapas, employing ruthless tactics of slaughter and looting. Renowned for her combat skills and often described as fighting "like a man," she was believed by some to have served as an officer under the revolutionary leader Zapata.

Felipe Neri was a prominent soldier and general who played a significant role in the Mexican Revolution. He demonstrated exceptional leadership skills and strategic acumen throughout his military career. Felipe Neri was known for his bravery and dedication to the cause, earning the respect of his peers and followers. His contributions to the revolution were instrumental in shaping the course of Mexican history during a tumultuous period of political and social upheaval.