Villa: Soldier of the Mexican Revolution

Analyzes the raucous career of one of the Mexican Revolution’s central figures - Provides a fascinating introduction to Mexican political and cultural history - Examines a contentious period in U.S.-Mexican relations Starting with twenty-eight followers, Francisco Pancho Villa rose out of banditry to become a dynamic strategist who mastered the tactical use of a diverse array of weapons, including modern railroads and cavalry, to contest control of Mexico. In his early days as a brigand, the peasantry idolized him because he often gave them the largesse of his raids on the wealthy haciendas. His military career began in 1910 during the Mexican Revolution, and by the time of his defeat at the Battle of Celaya in 1915 he commanded 15,000 horsemen. Villa could be a generous patron to his loyal followers but a terrifying enemy. He believed that those whom he defeated earned the privilege of being executed by his own hand. During the bloodiest months of the Mexican Revolution, he even contended for control of the nation. He could not be intimidated by anyone, including the U.S. Army’s Punitive Expedition led by Gen. John J. Pershing, who was sent to capture Villa after his raids into