Manuel González Flores Biography

Manuel Gonzalez Flores was a liberal politician and military general who served as the 31st president of Mexico. Joining the military after the death of his father, he was devoted to duty and gallantry. He was brave during times of combat and didn’t hesitate to fight under the military leader he believed in. Gonzalez was active on both the Conservative and Liberal sides during his military career, flip-flopping between both parties depending on who was leading the group. He was a key player during the French Intervention of Mexico (lieutenant) and during the Reform War (general). In addition to his strong military background, Gonzalez also had quite an extensive political background. Starting out as a lowly solder in the Army, he progressed rapidly to the offices of Governor, Secretary of Defense, Secretary of the Navy and ultimately the President. He was considered courageous and intelligent, as well as greedy for power. Although not much is known about his family life, we do know that he was married twice in the same year (presumably after his first wife died) ande that he fathered two sons. When he died, he made sure to tell his family and friends to obey and honor Porfirio Diaz, his successor.