Emiliano Zapata
Emiliano Zapata was a village leader, farmer, and horseman who became an important leader in the Mexican Revolution. Zapata was conscripted into the army for seven years attaining the role of a sergeant. He was a key individual in bringing down Porfirio Diaz and the defeat of Victoriano Huerta. Zapata was idealistic and his insistence on land reform became one of the pillars of the Revolution. Zapata was leader of the village council where he campaigned for restoration of village lands that were stolen earlier by the haciendas. From 1910 to 1919, Zapata continued his fight for land and liberty, rebelling against anyone who disagreed with his beliefs. This included his Plan of Ayala which called for the seizure of all foreign owned land, all land taken from villages, confiscation of one-third of all land held by
"friendly" haciendas and full confiscation of land owned by persons opposed to
the Plan of Ayala. On April 10, 1919 Zapata was tricked into a meeting with one of Carranza's generals who said he wanted to "switch sides". The meeting however, was a trap and Zapata was killed upon arrival.
"friendly" haciendas and full confiscation of land owned by persons opposed to
the Plan of Ayala. On April 10, 1919 Zapata was tricked into a meeting with one of Carranza's generals who said he wanted to "switch sides". The meeting however, was a trap and Zapata was killed upon arrival.
"Emiliano Zapata 1879-1919." : Mexico History. N.p., n.d. Web. 13 Mar. 2013. <http://www.mexconnect.com/articles/316-emiliano-zapata-1879-1919>.