Abelardo L. Rodríguez facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Abelardo L. Rodríguez
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Abelardo L. Rodríguez, c. 1930s
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| 50th President of Mexico | |
| In office 4 September 1932 – 30 November 1934 |
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| Preceded by | Pascual Ortiz Rubio |
| Succeeded by | Lázaro Cárdenas |
| Governor of Sonora | |
| In office 13 September 1943 – 15 April 1948 |
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| Preceded by | Anselmo Macías Valenzuela |
| Succeeded by | Horacio Sobarzo |
| Secretary of Defense | |
| In office 2 August 1932 – 4 September 1932 |
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| President | Pascual Ortiz |
| Preceded by | Plutarco Elías Calles |
| Succeeded by | Pablo Quiroga |
| Secretary of Economy | |
| In office 20 January 1932 – 2 August 1932 |
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| President | Pascual Ortiz |
| Preceded by | Aarón Sáenz Garza |
| Succeeded by | Primo Villa Michel |
| Governor of the North District of the Federal Territory of Baja California | |
| In office 1923–1930 |
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| Preceded by | José Inocente Lugo |
| Succeeded by | José María Tapia |
| Military Commander of Northern Baja California | |
| In office 1921–1929 |
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| Personal details | |
| Born |
Abelardo Rodríguez Luján
12 May 1889 Guaymas, Sonora, Mexico |
| Died | 13 February 1967 (aged 77) La Jolla, California, U.S. |
| Political party | National Revolutionary Party |
| Spouses |
Luisa Montijo
(m. 1917, divorced)Eathyl Vera Meier
(m. 1921; died 1922)Aída Sullivan
(m. 1924) |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance |  Mexico |
| Branch/service |  Mexican Army |
| Unit | Military Commander of the Baja California |
| Battles/wars | Mexican Revolution |
Abelardo Rodríguez Luján (born May 12, 1889 – died February 13, 1967), often known as Abelardo L. Rodríguez, was a Mexican military leader, businessman, and politician. He served as the 50th President of Mexico from 1932 to 1934. He finished the term of President Pascual Ortiz Rubio after Ortiz Rubio resigned. This time was called the Maximato, when former President Plutarco Elías Calles had a lot of power, even though he wasn't president. Rodríguez was better at showing presidential power than Ortiz Rubio had been.
After his presidency, Rodríguez left politics for a while to travel and focus on his businesses. He returned to politics ten years later, serving as Governor of Sonora. He retired in 1948 and went back to his business interests. Rodríguez is the only Mexican to have been a brigadier general, president, and governor of two different states.
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Early Life and Work
Abelardo Rodríguez was born on May 12, 1889, in San José de Guaymas, Sonora, Mexico. His family was not wealthy.
When he was eleven, he went to school for a short time in Nogales, Arizona. He never finished elementary school, leaving after fourth grade to help his family earn money. However, he promised himself he would keep learning.
As a young man, he worked at his brother's hardware store and at a copper mine. He also played professional baseball. He tried to become a singer in Los Angeles, California, but it didn't work out. He then returned to Mexico. In 1912, he became a police commander in Nogales, Sonora.
Military Career
Rodríguez joined the Mexican Revolution as a Lieutenant on March 1, 1913. He fought in several battles, including his first combat on August 24, 1913, in Sonora. He quickly rose through the ranks.
In 1914, he was briefly arrested for a misunderstanding with a superior officer but was soon released. He then rejoined the army and continued to serve under General Venustiano Carranza. On August 20, 1914, Rodríguez entered Mexico City with Carranza, who became the temporary president.
He fought in the important Battle of Celaya in 1915, where he was wounded. He was promoted to lieutenant colonel and later to colonel. In 1917, he joined General Plutarco Elías Calles to help control the Yaqui people in Sonora. This campaign lasted about three years, and during this time, Rodríguez became a general.
On May 21, 1920, he was promoted to brigadier general. He then led a large group of soldiers to Baja California to remove Colonel Esteban Cantú, who was acting independently from the federal government. Cantú left before Rodríguez arrived.
Military Commander of Northern Baja California
In 1921, Rodríguez became the military commander of Northern Baja California. He closed many casinos and bars in Tijuana that had become popular with American tourists. However, these businesses were later allowed to reopen.
Governor of Baja California (1923-1929)
In 1923, Rodríguez became the Governor of the North Territory of Baja California. He also continued as Military Commander. He served as governor until December 31, 1929.
During his time as governor, Rodríguez made many successful investments in businesses. He also became a partner with American investors in gambling establishments.
Agua Caliente Casino and Hotel
Rodríguez was involved in building the Agua Caliente Casino and Hotel in Tijuana. This huge resort attracted wealthy Americans and Hollywood stars. It cost $10 million to build. Rodríguez owned 25% of the resort. Since Americans couldn't own land in Mexico, Rodríguez bought the land for the resort. The Agua Caliente resort made a lot of money and was compared to Monte Carlo. It operated from 1928 to 1935.
Other Businesses and Wealth
He also invested in a fish and shellfish cannery and an airplane manufacturing company. He tried to find oil in Baja California, but this wasn't successful.
Because Baja California was far from Mexico City, and because he was friends with the leaders there, Rodríguez had a lot of freedom as governor. He was close to President Alvaro Obregón and later to Plutarco Elías Calles. By the late 1920s, Rodríguez was the richest man in Baja California. By the time he became president in 1932, he had over $12 million in banks in different countries.
Public Works and Education
The taxes from businesses helped the Baja California government fund public projects. These included supporting aviation, agriculture, education, and the arts. During Rodríguez's time, Baja California had one of the best elementary education systems in Mexico, providing free schooling for everyone. The Alvaro Obregón Elementary School in Tijuana, built in 1930, was one of the best schools in the country.
Escobar Rebellion
In 1929, General José Gonzalo Escobar tried to start a rebellion. Rodríguez refused to join and warned Calles about the plan. This showed his loyalty and helped Calles and President Emilio Portes Gil defeat Escobar.
Federal Cabinet Roles (1931-1932)
After leaving his governorship, Rodríguez traveled in Europe. In 1931, he was called to Mexico City to join President Ortiz Rubio's government. He served as Undersecretary of War and Navy, Secretary of Industry, Commerce and Labor, and then Secretary of War and Navy.
President of Mexico (1932-1934)
President Ortiz Rubio resigned because of disagreements with Calles. Rodríguez was chosen by Congress to be the new President of Mexico on September 4, 1932. His presidency was the last two years of the Maximato.
Asserting Presidential Power
Many people thought Calles was still the real leader of Mexico during Rodríguez's presidency. The Mexican press called Calles "The Supreme Chief of the Revolution." However, Rodríguez was a friend of Calles and had his own wealth. He was able to gain back a lot of power for the presidency.
Some observers called Rodríguez the "Mexican Roosevelt" because his government was similar to American President Franklin D. Roosevelt's. They said he worked hard to educate Mexicans and that the minimum wage law helped reduce poverty.
Rodríguez also showed his independence from Calles. For example, when US President Franklin Roosevelt sent a letter to Calles, Rodríguez insisted that such a letter should be sent to the current President of Mexico, not a former one. This showed that Rodríguez was in charge.
Relations with the United States
Rodríguez spoke English well and had lived and worked in the U.S. He was very friendly towards the United States. He stated that his policy would be to continue the good friendship between the two countries. U.S. officials noted that Rodríguez was doing a good job and taking more responsibility as president.
Education
Rodríguez's government worked to improve education. They created councils for primary education and set up cultural programs in rural areas. They also established agricultural schools and trained teachers.
The Minister of Education, Narciso Bassols, wanted the federal government to control education more, especially to reduce the Catholic Church's influence. He also wanted education to promote socialism. Many parents and the Church disagreed with sex education in schools. Rodríguez moved Bassols to another position to avoid further problems.
Relations with the Catholic Church
The government had an agreement with the Catholic Church to end the Cristero War in 1929. However, there were still anti-Catholic actions in some parts of Mexico. Pope Pius XI spoke out against Mexican laws that harmed Catholic clergy. Rodríguez strongly disagreed with the Pope's message, saying it would encourage clergy to disobey Mexican laws. The Pope's representative in Mexico was expelled from the country.
Economy and Labor
Rodríguez's government helped Mexican workers during the Great Depression. In 1933, he pushed for a minimum wage law to help workers and boost Mexico's economy. This law started on January 1, 1934, setting daily wages between one and three pesos, depending on the job and region. He said it benefited 2.5 million workers and increased their buying power.
He also created the Department of Labor to protect workers and support trade unions. He encouraged cooperatives, which he believed would share wealth more fairly. He also created Petromex, a government-linked oil company, to ensure Mexico had its own oil supply.
Infrastructure
Rodríguez continued a large road-building program started by Calles. These roads connected important cities within Mexico and linked Mexico to the U.S. and Guatemala. This helped to strengthen the country. Progress was made on the Pan-American Highway.
Law and Finance
His government improved the justice system and reviewed federal laws. He organized the Office of the Attorney General. He also created the National Economic Council and established new banks, like the National Financial Bank. He transformed the Department of Commerce, Commerce and Labor into the Secretariat of the National Economy, which helped guide the economy.
After the Presidency
On November 30, 1934, Rodríguez peacefully handed power to Lázaro Cárdenas and returned to private life. Cárdenas later outlawed gambling and closed casinos, including the Agua Caliente, which affected Rodríguez's income. However, Rodríguez was already very wealthy.
Travel and Business
Rodríguez and his wife, Aída Sullivan, traveled the world for several years, visiting many countries. They lived in London for a time. Rodríguez also studied the Soviet political system in Russia.
In 1938, they moved back to their ranch in Baja California. Rodríguez invested in many industries, especially shrimping, fishing, and seafood packing. He built the Pesquera de Topolobampo in 1939, which was the world's largest shrimp-freezing plant at the time. He also owned a radio station in Rosarito.
World War II
When Mexico joined the Allies in World War II in 1942, Rodríguez was made commander of the Gulf of Mexico Military-Naval Zone. This was important for protecting the Gulf from German submarines. He also helped supervise Mexico's program to increase farm and factory production for the war effort.
Governor of Sonora (1943-1948)
In 1943, Rodríguez was elected governor of Sonora. As governor, he taxed Chinese casinos, which helped the government avoid taxing other businesses.
Infrastructure and Education
He was very active in modernizing Sonora. He oversaw the construction of many buildings, drainage systems, dams, and markets. The Hermosillo-Nogales highway and parts of the Sonora-Baja California Railroad were completed during his term.
He also greatly improved education. He increased teachers' salaries and ordered the building or expansion of many schools. He strongly supported university education, and the Museum and Library of the Universidad de Sonora were built during his time. He personally paid for about half of the cost for the museum and library.
In 1946, he and his wife, Aída Sullivan, started the Fundación Esposos Rodríguez (The Rodriguez Couple Foundation). They donated 1 million pesos to start a fund that would provide scholarships for students from Sonora who needed financial help. This foundation has grown and now supports over 5,500 students.
Later Life and Death
Rodríguez resigned as governor in April 1948 due to health issues. He returned to his business interests, becoming a general manager of a meat-packing firm and co-owner of a shrimp-freezing plant. In 1953, he built a large spa resort in Tehuacán, Puebla.
Film Industry
He also became involved in the Mexican film industry during its "Golden Age." He was a director and chairman of a government-sponsored film finance company. He owned a film distribution company and over 100 movie theaters in Mexico. He helped modernize theaters by installing CinemaScope technology.
Rodríguez also co-owned Tepeyac Studios in Mexico City, where many films were made, including the famous Los Olvidados (1950) and Robinson Crusoe (1954).
Personal Life
Rodríguez was married three times. His third marriage to Aída Sullivan Coya in 1924 was very stable and lasted over forty years. They had three sons.
In 1951, he received an honorary Doctor of Law degree from the University of California, Berkeley. He wrote a 445-page autobiography in 1962.
A sad event occurred in 1964 when his 39-year-old son Juan Abelardo and his daughter-in-law died in a plane crash. Rodríguez and his wife took care of their four young grandchildren.
General Abelardo L. Rodríguez passed away at Scripps Clinic in La Jolla, California, on February 13, 1967.
Recognition
Many places in Mexico are named after Abelardo L. Rodríguez to honor his contributions:
Baja California
- General Abelardo L. Rodríguez International Airport, Tijuana
- Abelardo L. Rodríguez Dam & Reservoir, Tijuana River
- General Abelardo L. Rodríguez Street, Colonia Jardines de Rubi, Tijuana
- Abelardo L. Rodríguez Public Park, Colonia Centro Playas, Rosarito
- Abelardo L. Rodríguez Street, Colonia Ampliación Mazatlán, Rosarito
- El Sauzal de Rodríguez, Ensenada Municipality
- Hacienda Abelardo L. Rodríguez, Ensenada Municipality
Sonora
- Monument of Abelardo L. Rodríguez, Hermosillo
- Abelardo L. Rodríguez Boulevard, Hermosillo
- Statue of Abelardo L. Rodríguez, Museum of the University of Sonora 1942, Hermosillo
- Abelardo L. Rodríguez Reservoir, Hermosillo
Mexico City
- Abelardo L. Rodríguez Market, El Centro Histórico
- Abelardo L. Rodríguez Street, Colonia Deportivo Pensil
- Abelardo L. Rodríguez Street, Colonia Presidentes
- General Abelardo L. Rodríguez Street, Colonia Presidentes de México
- Abelardo L. Rodríguez Street, Colonia Jalalpa Calzada
- Abelardo Rodríguez Street, Colonia Miguel Hidalgo
- Jardín de Niños Abelardo L. Rodríguez, Iztapalapa
State of Mexico
- Abelardo L. Rodríguez Street, Colonia General Vicente Villada, Nezahualcóyotl
- Abelardo L. Rodríguez Street, Delegación Capultitlán, Toluca
- General Abelardo L. Rodríguez Street, Delegación Capultitlán, Toluca
Aguascalientes
- Abelardo L. Rodríguez Dam & Reservoir, Aguascalientes City
Colima
- Colonia Abelardo L. Rodríguez, Manzanillo
Morelos
- Village of Abelardo L. Rodríguez
Nuevo León
- Escuela Primaria Presidente Abelardo L. Rodríguez, Monterrey
Veracruz
- Colonia Abelardo L. Rodríguez, Orizaba
Images for kids
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President Abelardo L. Rodríguez and First Lady Aída Sullivan at the National Palace, Mexico City
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Portrait of Abelardo L. Rodríguez.
See Also
In Spanish: Abelardo L. Rodríguez para niños
