Venustiano Carranza Politician and President of Mexico Date of Birth: 29.12.1859 Country: Mexico

1. Early Life and Political Career
2. Role in the Mexican Revolution
3. Presidency
4. Economic Policies and Unfulfilled Promises
5. Coup and Demise

Early Life and Political Career

Venustiano Carranza was born in Cuatro Ciénegas, Coahuila, Mexico on December 29, 1859. He began his political career in the state government, holding various positions until being elected to the Senate in 1901. In 1910, he supported Francisco Madero's revolt against dictator Porfirio Díaz.

Role in the Mexican Revolution

With Madero's rise to power in 1911, Carranza became governor of Coahuila. In 1913, he led the fight against General Victoriano Huerta, who had overthrown Madero and murdered him. Despite foreign support for Huerta, Carranza's troops emerged victorious in the ensuing civil war, and Huerta fled the country in 1914.

Presidency

Carranza served as interim president from August to November 1914, and was elected president in 1917. He maintained Mexico's neutrality during World War I. While a moderate liberal, Carranza adhered to the constitution drafted by the Constituent Congress of Querétaro in 1917, declaring the nation's subsoil resources public property and regulating foreign oil companies.

Economic Policies and Unfulfilled Promises

Carranza's nationalization policies and increased taxes angered foreign oil magnates. Additionally, he failed to implement significant land reforms, which eroded his support.

Coup and Demise

In 1920, General Álvaro Obregón launched a coup against Carranza. Fleeing to Veracruz to rally forces, Carranza was captured and executed in Tlaxcalantongo, Puebla, on May 21, 1920.