Analyzes the raucous career of one of the Mexican Revolution's central figures

Starting with 28 followers, Francisco "Pancho" Villa rose out of banditry to become a dynamic strategist of the Mexican Revolution. By the time of his defeat at the Battle of Celaya in 1915, he commanded 15,000 horsemen. In this concise biography, Scheina (history, emeritus, National Defense University) places Villa's accomplishments against the backdrop of Mexico's complex political history and social turmoil. B&w historical photos are included. The book is distributed by Books International.
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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 New Mexico during 1916. He died as he lived, violently, the victim of an assassination squad in 1923. Robert Scheina analyzes this complex man and provides a solid overview of Mexico's political history against the fabric of social and cultural turmoil.