Mexican revolutionary leader who served as president from 1924 to 1928, known for implementing secular and anti-clerical policies, including restricting the Catholic Church's power. He also founded the National Revolutionary Party, which later became the dominant party in Mexico.
Plutarco Elas Calles, born Francisco Plutarco Elas Campuzano on September 25, 1877, was a Mexican soldier, politician, and statesman who served as the President of Mexico from 1924 to 1928. He is best known for his sweeping reforms, which aimed to modernize and secularize Mexico, and his role in founding the Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI), which would dominate Mexican politics for over 70 years.
Elas Calles' career was marked by his commitment to public service and his drive for reform. He began his career as a general in the Constitutional Army, fighting alongside Venustiano Carranza during the Mexican Revolution. Later, he served as Governor of Sonora, Secretary of War, and Secretary of the Interior, before being selected as the Laborist Party's candidate in the 1924 presidential election.
During his presidency, Elas Calles implemented a range of populist policies, including land redistribution, labor rights, and educational expansion. He also invested heavily in infrastructure projects and improved public health services. His commitment to separating church and state led to the passage of several anticlerical laws, which sparked the Cristero War.
After leaving office, Elas Calles maintained significant influence over Mexican politics, serving as the de facto leader of the country from 1929 to 1934, a period known as the Maximato. During this time, he founded the Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI), which would go on to dominate Mexican politics for over 70 years. He also held various cabinet positions, including Secretary of Public Education, Secretary of War, and Secretary of the Economy.
Elas Calles was born in Guaymas, Sonora, to a family of modest means. He was largely self-educated, and his early life was marked by poverty and hardship. Despite these challenges, he rose to become one of the most influential figures in Mexican politics.
Today, Elas Calles is remembered as a visionary leader who transformed Mexico and paved the way for future generations of reformers. His commitment to social justice, education, and secularism continues to inspire Mexicans and scholars around the world.
"The people are not ignorant, they are unaware. And it is our duty to enlighten them."
"Mexico will be transformed, not by the politicians, but by the people."
These quotes capture the essence of Elas Calles' commitment to social justice and his faith in the power of the Mexican people.
Born in 1880
Mexican general and politician who served as the 39th President of Mexico, known for his role in the Mexican Revolution and his efforts to modernize the country. He's also famous for losing his right arm in battle and continuing to serve as president.
Born in 1881
Provisional president of Mexico in 1920, known for his brief but significant tenure during a tumultuous period in Mexican history, implementing reforms and stabilizing the government.
Born in 1859
A Mexican revolutionary leader who served as president from 1917 to 1920, known for his role in the Mexican Revolution and drafting the country's 1917 constitution.
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Led a peasant uprising against the Mexican government, fighting for land reform and social justice, and is now a symbol of the Mexican Revolution.
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A Mexican revolutionary general who served as president, implementing significant land reforms and nationalizing the oil industry, and father of a prominent politician.
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A charismatic and cunning leader who dominated Mexican politics for decades, known for his role in the Texas Revolution and multiple presidential terms.
