José Gonzalo Escobar facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
José Gonzalo Escobar
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| Born | 1892 Mazatlán, Sinaloa |
| Died | 1969 Mexico City |
| Allegiance |  Mexico |
| Service/ |
Mexican Army |
| Years of service | 1913-1952? |
| Rank | Major General |
| Battles/wars | Mexican Revolution Huerta Rebellion Gomez-Serrano Revolt Escobar Rebellion |
| Other work | Politician |
General José Gonzalo Escobar (1892–1969) was an important officer in the Mexican Army. He is best known for leading a rebellion in 1929. This event, called the Escobar Rebellion, tried to challenge the power of Plutarco Elías Calles, a very influential politician in Mexico at the time.
Early Military Life
José Gonzalo Escobar was born in Mazatlán, Sinaloa, in 1892. When he was about 21 years old, in 1913, he joined the army. This was during the Mexican Revolution, a big conflict that changed Mexico.
Escobar fought for Venustiano Carranza, one of the main leaders of the revolution. He took part in battles against Pancho Villa in 1914 and 1915. Villa was another famous revolutionary leader. In 1919, Escobar led a successful cavalry charge. This charge helped defeat Villa's forces for the last time in the Battle of Juárez.
Escobar became very popular in the Mexican Army. People described him as "brave, young and dashing." He won many victories in other conflicts too. These included the Adolfo de la Huerta Rebellion in 1924 and the Gomez-Serrano Revolt in 1927. His successes made him a respected military leader.
The Escobar Rebellion
In 1929, General Escobar decided to start his own rebellion. His goal was to remove Plutarco Elías Calles and Emilio Portes Gil from power. Calles was known as the jefe máximo (supreme chief), meaning he had a lot of political control. Escobar wanted to become the President of Mexico himself.
At first, Escobar's forces had some success. They won a few battles and gained the support of thousands of followers. However, the government forces, led by Calles, fought back strongly.
On April 3, 1929, Escobar's army suffered a huge defeat. This happened in the Battle of Jiménez. After this loss, his forces were pushed back more and more. Eventually, they had to surrender. The last major place held by the rebels was Nogales, Sonora. After it surrendered, Escobar escaped into the United States. He then lived in Canada for many years.
Later Years and Legacy
Years later, in early 1942, Escobar returned to Mexico. This was shortly after the United States entered World War II. He came back through El Paso, Texas. He offered his military skills to President Lázaro Cárdenas.
By 1952, Escobar had reached the high rank of Major General. He also became active in politics. José Gonzalo Escobar passed away in Mexico City in 1969.
See also
In Spanish: José Gonzalo Escobar para niños
- Escobar Rebellion
- Military history of Mexico
- Cristero War
