Santa Anna, Antonio L�pez de 1797-1876
Mexican soldier and statesman

Born in Jalapa, he joined August�n de Iturbide in 1821 in the struggle for Mexican independence, but in 1823 overthrew him, and in 1833 became President of Mexico. His reactionary policy resulted in the loss of Texas in 1836; he commanded the Mexican force at the siege and massacre of the Alamo, but was routed by Samuel Houston and imprisoned for eight months. In 1838 he lost a leg in the defence of Vera Cruz against the French. From 1841 to 1844 he was either President or the President's master; he was exiled in 1845 but recalled in 1846 to resume office during the war with the USA, in which he was twice defeated. He was recalled from Jamaica by a revolution in 1853 and appointed President for life, but in 1855 was again overthrown, and went to Cuba. Under Ferdinand Maximilian he intrigued continually and in 1867, after the emperor's death, he tried to effect a landing; he was captured, and sentenced to death, but allowed to retire to New York. He returned to Mexico City in 1874 and died in poverty.

Bibliography: Oakah L Jones, Santa Anna (1968)