Thursday, January 9, 2014

Victoriano Huerta



     José Victoriano Huerta Márque, born December 22, 1850 to January 13, 1916, was a Mexican military officer and the thirteenth president of Mexico. Huerta's supporters were referred to as Huertistas during the Mexican  Revolution. Huerta is still recognized by modern-day Mexicans, who generally know him as El Chacal. He wanted to become president desperately so he scammed his way in. To appear legitimate, Huerta had foreign minister Pedro Lascuráin assume the presidency. Lascuráin then elected Huerta as interior minister, so he was the fourth in line for the presidency. After less than an hour in office, Lascuráin resigned, and gave the presidency to Huerta. Huerta created a harsh military dictatorship. 


U.S. President Woodrow Wilson became hostile, (because of his opposing peaceful outlook on political leadership), towards the Huerta administration, recalled ambassador Henry Lane Wilson, and demanded Huerta step aside for democratic elections. When Huerta refused, and with the  dangerous situation further escalated by the Tampico Affair, President Wilson decided to land U.S. troops to take over Mexico's most important seaport, Veracruz. Huerta eventually gave in to the to pressure and resigned the presidency on July 15, 1914. Huerta knew his days were numbered after the crushing defeat at Zacatecas. When word of the battle spread, federal troops decided to attack the rebels. Huerta moved around while in exile, living in Spain, England and the United States. He never gave up hope for a return to rule in Mexico, and when Carranza, Villa, Obregón and Zapata were busy with competition, he thought he had his chance. He met up with Orozco in New Mexico in to begin to plan his triumphant return to power. They were caught by US federal agents, and never even cross the border. Huerta was imprisoned for enforcing rebellion. He died in prison in January, 1916, or cirrhosis, although there were many rumors that the Americans had poisoned him.




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