EMILIANO ZAPATA
1879-1919
"Prefiero Morir de Pie de que Vivir de Rodillas"


by: Brad Haas and David Ramirez
Prof. Nicolopulos Spring 2004


The Fighter

The Intellectual

 

Born in Anenecuiclo, Morelos, Mexico on August 8, 1879, Emiliano Zapata was one of the great leaders of the Mexican Revolution. His courage and love for his people is what made him who he was. At the same time, his fight for "Tierra y Libertad" got him many enemys. His hatered for Porfirio Diaz was not a secret, everyone knew that he wanted to get rid of him. When Francisco Madero succesfully overthrew Diaz, Zapata thought this would be for the better of the country. However, he was mistaken and was soon battling Madero. On April 10, 1919, Zapata was killed. He was told that a General from the other side wanted to meet with him. Upon his arrival he was ambushed and killed. Dispite his death, the Zapatista movement kept strong, and still lives today.