Lazaro Cardenas del Río was born on May 21, 1895, in Jiquilpan, Michoacán, Mexico. Growing up in a modest family, his early life was marked by hardship. Despite limited formal education, Cárdenas was an avid reader and self-educated through books and practical experiences. He worked various jobs, including as a printer’s devil, tax collector, and jail keeper, which shaped his understanding of the working class’s struggles. Although he left school at eleven, he continually sought to educate himself, reading extensively throughout his life, with a particular focus on works of history.
Military Career
Cárdenas joined the revolutionary forces in 1913, at the age of 18, aligning himself with the Constitutionalist Army led by Venustiano Carranza. His rise through the military ranks was swift, reflecting his leadership and strategic acumen. By 1928, he had become a brigadier general. His military career was instrumental in consolidating the revolutionary changes in Mexico and establishing the legitimacy of the post-revolutionary state.
Lazaro Cardenas – Governor of Michoacán
In 1928, Cárdenas was elected Governor of Michoacán. His tenure as governor was marked by significant social and economic reforms. He focused on land redistribution, education, and infrastructure development. He established rural schools and promoted agricultural cooperatives, laying the groundwork for his future national policies.
The Presidency of Lazaro Cardenas (1934-1940)
Lazaro Cardenas assumed the presidency on December 1, 1934. His presidency is best known for its profound social and economic reforms. Cárdenas implemented an ambitious land reform program, redistributing land to peasants. He also nationalized the oil industry in 1938, creating Petróleos Mexicanos (PEMEX), a move that bolstered national pride and economic independence. His administration promoted labor rights, education, and indigenous rights, transforming Mexican society fundamentally.
Cárdenas was a strong advocate for the promotion of Mexican culture, arts, and tourism. He recognized the importance of cultural identity and heritage in national development. His administration supported various cultural projects, including the creation of the National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH) in 1939, to ensure the research, preservation, protection, and promotion of Mexico’s prehistoric heritage.
After his presidency, Cárdenas served as Secretary of National Defense from 1942 to 1945 under President Manuel Ávila Camacho. In this role, he focused on modernizing the military and strengthening national defense during World War II. His tenure was marked by efforts to professionalize the armed forces and improve military infrastructure.
Institutional Revolutionary Party
In 1941, Cárdenas became the President of the Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI), which was then known as the Party of the Mexican Revolution (PRM). He used his influence to ensure the party’s policies remained aligned with the revolutionary ideals, promoting social justice and economic nationalism.
Although Cárdenas did not hold the formal title of Minister of War, his role as Secretary of National Defense involved many responsibilities similar to those of a war minister. He played an important part in shaping Mexico’s military policies during a time of global conflict and regional instability.
Lazaro Cardenas passed away on October 19, 1970, at the age of 75, in Mexico City. His legacy is deeply ingrained in Mexican history. He was honored by being featured on the 10,000 pesos banknote of Mexico. This recognition reflects his significant contributions to the nation, particularly his efforts in nationalizing the oil industry and promoting social and economic reforms. This note features the La Cangrejera oil refinery and a portrait of Lázaro Cárdenas. The reverse of the banknote showcases the bank seal depicting the Hallazgos del Templo Mayor and the La Diosa de la Luna (Moon Goddess) stone carving.
.png){kind=link}
