Francisco Luis Urquizo facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Francisco L. Urquizo
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General Francisco L. Urquizo Benavides
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| Born | June 21, 1891 San Pedro de las Colonias, Coahuila |
| Died | April 6, 1969 (aged 77) Mexico City |
| Allegiance | Mexico (antireeleccionista revolutionary forces) |
| Service/ |
Liberation Army of the South 1911, Federal Army 1912-1913, Constitutional Army 1913-1920, Mexican Army 1920, 1936-1969 |
| Years of service | 1911-1920, 1936-1969 |
| Rank |  General |
| Commands held | Secretariat of National Defence |
| Battles/wars | Mexican Revolution:
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| Awards |
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Francisco Luis Urquizo Benavides (born June 21, 1891, in San Pedro de las Colonias, Coahuila – died April 6, 1969, in Mexico City) was an important Mexican soldier, writer, and historian. He fought bravely in the Mexican Revolution and became a Major General. He even served as the Secretary of National Defense, which is like being in charge of the country's military.
Urquizo was also a famous author. He wrote many historical fiction books about the Mexican Revolution. His most famous book, Tropa vieja, made him known as the "novelist of the soldier." His son, Juan Manuel Urquizo Pérez de Tejada, said that his father was a key person who lived through the Revolution and wrote down its history.
Contents
Urquizo and the Mexican Revolution
In 1911, Francisco Urquizo joined the Mexican Revolution in his home state of Coahuila. He fought under Emilio Madero. Later, he became part of the special guard for President Francisco I. Madero. He was with President Madero during the Ten Tragic Days, a very difficult time in Mexico City.
After President Madero died, Urquizo escaped from Mexico City. He joined the Constitutionalist Army, led by Venustiano Carranza, to fight against the new government. He helped organize a group of volunteers and fought in important battles like the taking of Torreón and the attack on Monterrey.
In 1916, he became a Brigadier General. He held many important positions, like commander of Carranza's guard and military chief of Port of Veracruz and Mexico City. He also helped create the Academy of the General Staff, which is now the Heroic Military College.
Urquizo was always loyal to Carranza. He also supported Álvaro Obregón when Obregón rebelled against the government. In 1920, Urquizo became the Secretary of War and Navy. He fought in battles to protect government trains. After President Carranza was killed in Tlaxcalantongo, Puebla, Urquizo was put in military prison.
Life in Exile
After he was released from prison, Urquizo decided to leave Mexico and live in Europe. Some people think he started writing his famous books during this time. However, his youngest son said that Urquizo had been writing for a long time, even while he was a soldier. He wrote about the battles, the people, and the places, showing both the difficulties of war and the joy of winning.
Serving Mexico Again
When he returned to Mexico, President Lázaro Cárdenas del Río invited him to rejoin the Army. President Manuel Ávila Camacho promoted him to Major General. In 1942, he became the Undersecretary of Defense. He worked to make the Mexican Army more modern. He started the National Military Service and created new groups like the Motorized Brigade and Parachute Corps.
He also helped create the 201st Squadron of the Mexican Expeditionary Air Force. This group fought with the Allies in the Pacific during Second World War. He served as Secretary of National Defense from 1945 to 1946. From 1951 to 1953, he was the leader of the Mexican Legion of Honor.
His Writings
Besides his novels about the revolution, Urquizo wrote many other types of books. He wrote historical books and travel books. He also wrote plays and movie scripts. From his early years, he wrote columns for newspapers like El Nacional and El Universal. He also wrote for magazines such as Mañana and El Universal Ilustrado.
Groups He Belonged To
Francisco Urquizo was a leader of the Mexican Legion of Honor. He was also a member of the Mexican Society of Geography and Statistics. He helped start the Institute of Historical Studies of the Mexican Revolution.
Awards and Honors
In 1967, he received the Belisario Domínguez Medal. This is the highest award given by the Mexican Senate. He also received awards from the governments of Argentina, Cuba, Ecuador, the United States, Guatemala, Haiti, Poland, and Venezuela.
Main Books He Wrote
- Memorias de campaña
- Tropa Vieja
- ¡Viva Madero!
- Páginas de la Revolución
- La ciudadela quedó atrás
- Fui soldado de levita de esos de caballería
- México - Tlaxcalantongo
- Morelos, genio militar de la Independencia
- Europa Central en 1922
- A un Joven Militar Mexicano
- Madrid de los Años Veinte
- Recuerdo Que...
- Tres de Diana
- Charlas de Sobremesa
- El Capitán Arnaud
- Lo Incognoscible
See also
In Spanish: Francisco L. Urquizo para niños
