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Pancho Villa: Mexican Revolutionary and Folk Hero

Calvin Fisher

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Published in Pancho Villa: A Biography (Greenwood Biographies)

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Pancho Villa (1878-1923) was a legendary Mexican revolutionary and folk hero who played a pivotal role in the Mexican Revolution. He was known for his bravery, charisma, and military prowess, and his name became synonymous with the struggle for social justice and land reform in Mexico.

Pancho Villa: A Biography (Greenwood Biographies)

by Geoffrey Roberts

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Language	:	English
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Print length	:	204 pages

Early Life and Career

Doroteo Arango Arámbula, who later adopted the name Pancho Villa, was born on June 5, 1878, in the small town of San Juan del Río, Durango, Mexico. He was the son of a poor farmer, Agustín Arango, and his wife, Micaela Arámbula. Villa's childhood was marked by poverty and hardship, and he received little formal education.

At the age of 16, Villa was forced to flee his home after killing a man who had tried to rape his sister. He became an outlaw and worked as a bandit for several years. In 1910, the Mexican Revolution broke out, and Villa joined the revolutionary forces led by Francisco I. Madero.

The Mexican Revolution

Villa quickly rose through the ranks of the revolutionary army, becoming known for his courage and leadership skills. He formed his own army, known as the Division del Norte, and fought against the forces of the Mexican government. Villa's army was particularly successful in northern Mexico, and he played a key role in the capture of the city of Zacatecas in 1914.

However, Villa's relationship with Madero soured after Madero became president of Mexico. Villa believed that Madero had betrayed the revolution, and he launched a rebellion against the government. In 1915, Villa's army was defeated by the forces of Venustiano Carranza, another revolutionary general who had become president. Villa was forced to flee to the United States, where he lived in exile for several years.

Later Life and Assassination

In 1920, Villa returned to Mexico and resumed his revolutionary activities. He formed a new army and fought against the government of Álvaro Obregón. However, Villa's forces were again defeated, and he was forced to retreat to his hacienda in Chihuahua. On July 20, 1923, Villa was assassinated by a group of gunmen while he was driving to Chihuahua City.

Legacy

Pancho Villa remains a legendary figure in Mexican history. He is considered a folk hero and a symbol of the struggle for social justice and land reform. Villa's legacy continues to inspire Mexicans today, and his name is associated with courage, bravery, and the fight for the rights of the poor.

Additional Information

Villa was known for his distinctive appearance, which included a large mustache, a wide-brimmed hat, and a bandolier of bullets.
Villa's army was known as the "Dorados," which means "the golden ones."
Villa was a skilled horseman and a fearless warrior. He was said to have killed over 100 men in battle.
Villa was married to Luz Corral, and they had several children.
Villa's hacienda in Chihuahua, known as the Hacienda de Canutillo, is now a museum dedicated to his life and legacy.