Venustiano Carranza

Venustiano Carranza Garza (1859-1920) was a Mexican politician, warlord and general. Before the Mexican Revolution (1910-1920) he served as Mayor of Cuatro Ciénegas and as a congressman and senator. When the Revolution broke out, he initially allied himself with Francisco Madero’s faction and independently raised his own army when Madero was assassinated. He became President of Mexico from 1917 to 1920, but was unable to keep a lid on the chaos that had plagued his country since 1910. He was assassinated in Tlaxcalantongo in 1920 by troops led by General Rodolfo Herrero.

Early Life:

Carranza was born into an upper middle-class family in Cuatro Ciénegas in the state of Coahuila. His father had been an officer in the  Benito Juarez in the turbulent 1860′s. This connection to Juárez would have a profound influence on Carranza, who idolized him. The Carranza family had money, and Venustiano was sent to excellent schools in Saltillo and Mexico City. He returned to Coahuila and dedicated himself to the family ranching business.

Entry Into Politics:

The Carranzas had high ambitions, and with the backing of family money, Venustiano was elected mayor of his home town. In 1893 he and his brothers rebelled against the rule of Coahuila Governor José María Garza, a crooked crony of President Porfirio Diaz.  They were powerful enough to secure the nomination of a different governor, and in the process Carranza made some friends in high places, including Bernardo Reyes, an important friend of Díaz. Carranza rose politically, becoming a congressman and senator. By 1908 it was widely assumed that he would be the next Governor of Coahuila.

Personality:

Carranza was a large, tall man, standing a full 6’4”, and he looked very impressive with his long white beard and glasses. He was intelligent and stubborn, but had very little charisma. A dour man, his lack of sense of humor was legendary. He was not the sort to inspire great loyalty, and his success in the revolution was mainly due to his ability to portray himself as a wise, stern patriarch who was the nation’s best hope for peace. His inability to compromise led to several severe setbacks. Although he was personally honest, he
seemed indifferent to corruption in those who surrounded him.

Share this:

Click on pen to