Álvaro Obregón, Mexican general and politician, 39th President of Mexico (d. 1928)

Álvaro Obregón Salido, widely recognized simply as Álvaro Obregón, was a towering figure in the tumultuous landscape of the Mexican Revolution. Born in Sonora on February 19, 1880, Obregón was more than just a general; he was a pragmatic centrist, a natural soldier, and a shrewd politician who would ultimately ascend to become the 46th President of Mexico, serving from 1920 to 1924. His life, a dramatic arc of military triumph, political leadership, and ultimately, tragic assassination as President-elect in 1928, cemented his place in the historical narrative. Indeed, within the rich mythology of the Revolution, Obregón is often celebrated as "the organizer, the peacemaker, the unifier."

From Sonoran Farmer to Revolutionary Leader

Before the grand stage of revolution called, Obregón was a successful farmer and a widower raising small children in Sonora. He was not an immediate participant in the early stages of the Revolution. His entry into the fray was catalyzed by the treacherous February 1913 coup d'état against President Francisco I. Madero, which brutally brought General Victoriano Huerta to power. This pivotal moment spurred Obregón to action. He threw his support behind Sonora's decision to align with Governor Venustiano Carranza of Coahuila, becoming a key part of the northern revolutionary coalition known as the Constitutionalist Army, whose singular aim was to overthrow the illegitimate Huerta regime.

A Rapid Ascent: Master Strategist of the Constitutionalist Army

Despite lacking formal military training, Obregón possessed an innate talent for leadership and strategy. His rise through the ranks was meteoric, quickly establishing him as one of the Constitutionalist Army's most formidable generals, a peer even to the legendary Pancho Villa. Carranza recognized Obregón's genius, entrusting him with command of the revolutionary forces operating in northwestern Mexico. When the Constitutionalists decisively defeated Huerta in July 1914, leading to the dissolution of the Federal Army, a new conflict emerged. Villa, once an ally, broke with Carranza. Obregón, however, remained steadfastly loyal to Carranza, even as he grew increasingly wary of Carranza's conservative leanings.

The Civil War of the Winners and a Decisive Victory

The period of 1914-1915 saw a bitter civil war erupt among the victorious revolutionary factions. On one side stood Carranza and Obregón; on the other, Pancho Villa and the peasant leader Emiliano Zapata. It was during this brutal conflict that Obregón's military brilliance truly shone. In 1915, he inflicted a series of devastating defeats upon Villa's army, effectively ending his military dominance and solidifying Carranza's position as the undisputed leader of Mexico. Following these triumphs, Carranza appointed Obregón as his Minister of War, a testament to his crucial role in securing victory for the Constitutionalist cause.

The Road to the Presidency and a Vision for Mexico

Despite his loyalty, Obregón grew increasingly disillusioned with Carranza's conservative governance. He believed Carranza, having served as interim president, should have been excluded from seeking the constitutional presidency. When Carranza was elected president in 1917, after the promulgation of Mexico's groundbreaking new revolutionary Constitution, Obregón chose to return to his ranch in Sonora. He harbored clear presidential ambitions, planning his run for the 1920 elections. Carranza, constitutionally barred from re-election but eager to maintain political influence, designated a politically unknown civilian as his successor. This move proved to be Carranza's undoing.

The Plan of Agua Prieta and a Return to Power

In response to Carranza's maneuvering, Obregón, alongside fellow Sonoran revolutionary generals Plutarco Elías Calles and Adolfo de la Huerta, launched a successful revolt in 1920 under the banner of the Plan of Agua Prieta. The uprising swiftly gained momentum, and Carranza was assassinated while attempting to flee the capital on a train carrying a substantial portion of the nation's gold reserves. Adolfo de la Huerta briefly assumed the interim presidency until new elections could be held. As widely expected, Obregón won the presidency with overwhelming popular support, ushering in a new era for Mexico.

Obregón's Presidency (1920-1924): Laying the Foundations of Modern Mexico

Obregón's presidential term marked a critical turning point for Mexico. His was the first stable presidency since the Revolution had ignited in 1910, finally bringing a measure of peace and order to a war-weary nation. He embarked on an ambitious program of reform, shaping many aspects of modern Mexico:

• Educational Reform: Under his administration, a massive educational reform program was initiated. This era also saw the flourishing of Mexican muralism, with artists like Diego Rivera and José Clemente Orozco using public walls to tell the story of Mexico's history and revolution, effectively bringing art and education to the masses.
• Land Reform: Obregón oversaw moderate land redistribution, a central demand of the Revolution, aimed at addressing the deep inequalities that had plagued the rural population.
• Labor Laws: He supported progressive labor laws, backed by the increasingly influential Regional Confederation of Mexican Workers (CROM), signaling a commitment to workers' rights and social justice.
• International Recognition: In August 1923, Obregón signed the critical Bucareli Treaty, which addressed the complex issue of U.S. oil interests in Mexico. This agreement paved the way for vital U.S. diplomatic recognition of his government, enhancing Mexico's international standing.

However, Obregón's presidency was not without its challenges. In 1923–24, his finance minister, Adolfo de la Huerta, launched a rebellion when Obregón designated Plutarco Elías Calles as his successor. De la Huerta garnered support from many revolutionaries who feared Obregón was mimicking the long, autocratic rule of Porfirio Díaz. Obregón, once again proving his military acumen, returned to the battlefield to crush the rebellion. He was significantly aided in this victory by the United States, which supplied arms and 17 planes that proved instrumental in bombing de la Huerta's supporters.

A Second Term Foreshadowed and a Tragic End

In 1924, Obregón's hand-picked successor and fellow Northern revolutionary general, Plutarco Elías Calles, was elected president. Although Obregón ostensibly retired to his ranch in Sonora, his political influence remained profound throughout Calles's term. Calles, to facilitate Obregón's return to power, pushed through a constitutional reform that made re-election possible, albeit not continuously. This amendment cleared the path for Obregón, who subsequently won the 1928 election. Tragically, before he could begin his second term, Álvaro Obregón was assassinated on July 17, 1928, by a religious fanatic at a restaurant in Mexico City. His untimely death plunged the nation into a profound political crisis, ultimately leading Calles to found the political party that would, under various names (most notably the PRI), hold office continuously in Mexico until the year 2000, profoundly shaping the country's political future.

Frequently Asked Questions About Álvaro Obregón

Who was Álvaro Obregón?

Álvaro Obregón was a pivotal general in the Mexican Revolution and the 46th President of Mexico, serving from 1920 to 1924. He was known for his military prowess, political skill, and efforts to unify post-revolutionary Mexico.

When was Álvaro Obregón President of Mexico?

He served as President of Mexico from December 1, 1920, to November 30, 1924.

What was Álvaro Obregón's main role in the Mexican Revolution?

Obregón rose rapidly as a highly effective military commander, becoming the Constitutionalist Army's best general. He played a crucial role in defeating Victoriano Huerta and later Pancho Villa, securing Venustiano Carranza's leadership, and eventually leading his own successful revolt to become president.

What were some key achievements of Obregón's presidency?

During his term, he oversaw significant educational reforms (including the flourishing of Mexican muralism), moderate land reform, and progressive labor laws. He also secured U.S. diplomatic recognition for his government through the Bucareli Treaty.

Who were Álvaro Obregón's main rivals or allies during the Revolution?

Initially, he allied with Venustiano Carranza against Victoriano Huerta. Later, he fought against Pancho Villa and Emiliano Zapata during the civil war among the revolutionary factions. Plutarco Elías Calles and Adolfo de la Huerta were both allies who later became rivals or successors.

How did Álvaro Obregón die?

Álvaro Obregón was assassinated on July 17, 1928, shortly after winning re-election for his second term, by a religious fanatic named José de León Toral, motivated by the government's anti-clerical policies.