Bernardo Reyes facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Bernardo Reyes
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Portrait of Bernardo Reyes
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| Governor of Nuevo León | |
| In office 29 December 1902 – 24 October 1909 |
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| Preceded by | Pedro Benítez Leal |
| Succeeded by | José María Mier |
| In office 19 December 1897 – 23 January 1900 |
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| Preceded by | Carlos Félix Ayala |
| Succeeded by | Pedro Benítez Leal |
| In office 23 May 1896 – 3 December 1897 |
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| Preceded by | Carlos Berardi |
| Succeeded by | Carlos Félix Ayala |
| In office 4 October 1889 – 21 April 1896 |
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| Preceded by | Lázaro Garza Ayala |
| Succeeded by | Carlos Berardi |
| In office 12 December 1885 – 4 October 1887 |
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| Preceded by | Mauro A. Sepúlveda |
| Succeeded by | Lázaro Garza Ayala |
| Secretary of War and Navy | |
| In office 25 January 1900 – 24 December 1902 |
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| President | Porfirio Díaz |
| Preceded by | Felipe Berriozábal |
| Succeeded by | Francisco Zacarías Mena |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 30 August 1850 Guadalajara, Mexico |
| Died | February 9, 1913 (aged 62) Mexico City, Mexico |
| Signature |  |
| Military service | |
| Years of service | 1865-1913 |
| Rank | General |
| Battles/wars | Mexican Revolution |
Bernardo Doroteo Reyes Ogazón (born August 30, 1850 – died February 9, 1913) was an important Mexican general and politician. He hoped to become the President of Mexico one day. He died during a sudden takeover attempt against President Francisco I. Madero.
Bernardo Reyes came from a well-known family in Jalisco, a state in western Mexico. He joined the army and quickly rose through the ranks to become a general. Like his mentor, President Porfirio Díaz, Reyes was a military man who also became a skilled leader in government.
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A Leader in Nuevo León
Reyes was chosen by President Díaz to be a state governor. He served as governor of Nuevo León, a northern state. As governor, he followed Díaz's plans. He helped modernize the state, making it easier for industries to grow. He also worked to improve schools and public health. Reyes supported better conditions for workers, even approving a law for workers' compensation. People who supported Reyes were called Reyistas.
A Powerful Politician
Bernardo Reyes also served in the president's cabinet for two years. He was the Minister of War. In this role, he created a larger military force called the Second Reserve. This force had about 30,000 men and a large budget. Some people saw this force as Reyes's own private army.
As President Díaz got older, people started talking about who would be the next president. Reyes became a possible candidate. However, Díaz later broke up the Second Reserve. Reyes then returned to Nuevo León as governor, and his popularity continued to grow.
Many people thought Reyes could be a good vice president for Díaz in the 1910 elections. Groups supporting Reyes formed in many cities. Even though Reyes did not openly seek power, he supported Díaz's plan to run for president again.
Support and Challenges
Reyes had strong support in his home state of Jalisco. However, Díaz's supporters closed Reyes's clubs and arrested their leaders. Reyes was especially popular among the middle class. Many of his supporters had been part of the Second Reserve.
People saw Reyes as someone who wanted to make changes. He was seen as good for business. He had strong support from professionals like doctors and lawyers. He was considered a strong candidate from the existing political system. He had both military and political experience. People believed he could manage a smooth change in leadership.
The Mexican Revolution and His Death
Bernardo Reyes was considered a possible successor to Porfirio Díaz. But when Francisco Madero challenged Díaz in the 1910 elections, things changed. This challenge led to the start of the Mexican Revolution. The old ideas about who would be president were put aside.
For a while, Reyes supported Madero. But later, he led the first rebellion against Madero. When this rebellion failed, Reyes was put in jail in Mexico City. Another general, Félix Díaz, was also in jail for rebellion. Even though they were in different jails, they could talk and plan a joint takeover against Madero.
On February 9, 1913, General Manuel Mondragón sent soldiers to free Reyes from prison. After Reyes was freed, they marched to the National Palace. This event marked the beginning of the Ten Tragic Days, a period of intense fighting.
Reyes was killed on the very first day of the takeover attempt. He had expected to enter the National Palace and announce that Madero was no longer president. But before he could get inside, Reyes was shot and died. About 400 other people, including civilians, also died that day.
Family
Bernardo Reyes was the father of the famous writer Alfonso Reyes. He was also the grandfather of the painter Aurora Reyes.
Images for kids
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Bernardo Reyes's signature
See also
In Spanish: Bernardo Reyes para niños
