born Dec. 23, 1854, Colotlán, Mex.
died Jan. 13, 1916, El Paso, Texas, U.S.
Mexican president (1913–14).
Born of Indian parents, he rose through the ranks of the army to become a general during the rule of Porfirio Díaz . He overthrew Díaz's successor, the liberal Francisco Madero , and established a repressive military dictatorship. Constitutionalist forces united against him and gained the support of U.S. Pres. Woodrow Wilson , who sent troops to assist the rebels. Huerta was defeated in 1914 and fled to Spain; from there he moved to the U.S., where he was arrested for fomenting rebellion in Mexico and died in custody.