Emiliano Zapata

Zapata, Emiliano (1879?–1919), Mexican revolutionary whose chief ambition was to return Mexican land to the native population. Zapata joined the successful forces of Francisco Madero against the dictatorship of President Porfirio Díaz (1910) and led the insurrectionists of Morelos, his native state. After Díaz's overthrow, Zapata refused to recognize Madero or his successor, Victoriano Huerta, for their failure to redistribute land to the people. Together with Pancho Villa, he renewed his revolutionary endeavors. On 3 occasions (1914–15), Zapata occupied Mexico City. He was assassinated (1919).