Santa Anna

san-ta an'a (1795-1876), a Mexican adventurer, soldier, and dictator. He entered the Spanish army when but fifteen years of age. During the war for independence he served in the Spanish ranks until he saw that Mexico was really to be successful. He then went over to the Mexican side and gained his birthplace, the city of Vera Cruz, for Iturbide, the Mexican patriot. He was himself five times president or dictator of Mexico, and was three times driven into exile. On the declaration of independence by Texas in 1835 he entered the state at the head of an armed force and disgraced himself by butchering the American garrison of the Alamo. He was defeated in the battle of San Jacinto, April 21, 1836, and was held a prisoner until he had signed a treaty acknowledging the independence of Texas.

The cession of Texas made him unpopular at home. He regained popularity by the successful defense of Vera Cruz against a naval attack by the French. He lost a leg in this siege. When war between the Mexicans and the United States was about to begin, Santa Anna was in exile. He hastened home and was placed at the head of the Mexican forces. He was defeated in person by General Taylor at Buena Vista in 1847. In 1855 he was deposed from the presidency for the last time, tried for treason, and banished. His large estates were confiscated. During the temporary occupation of Mexico by French troops, he schemed to assist the French. During the American Civil War, French troops entered Mexico, established a kingdom, and placed Maximilian on the throne. Santa Anna at this time resided in New York City, but it was well known that he had assisted the French with his advice. In 1874 he returned to his native country, where he died in poverty and obscurity. He was a man of undoubted ability, but utterly unprincipled, not to say cruel and treacherous. He does not merit the name of Mexican patriot. See Alamo; Mexico