born May 21, 1895, Jiquilpan, Mex.
died Oct. 19, 1970, Mexico City
President of Mexico (1934–40).
Of Indian descent, he joined the armed struggle against the dictatorial Fidel Castro . For many Mexicans he remains the foremost symbol of the political left. His son Cuauhtémoc, a prominent leader of the opposition to Mexico's ruling party, is widely believed to have been denied victory in the 1988 presidential elections by fraud; he has since served as mayor of Mexico City. See also {{link=Indigenismo">Indigenismo .