José Refugio Velasco facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Divisional general
José Refugio Velasco
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| Governor of the State of Mexico | |
| In office July 12, 1913 – October 11, 1913 |
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| President | Victoriano Huerta |
| Preceded by | Lorenzo de Zavala |
| Succeeded by | Joaquín Beltrán Castañares |
| Governor of San Luis Potosí | |
| In office May 15, 1914 – June 2, 1914 |
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| Preceded by | Eulalio Gutiérrez Ortiz |
| Succeeded by | Pablo González Garza |
| Governor of Coahuila | |
| In office November 18, 1913 – November 21, 1913 |
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| Preceded by | Joaquin Maas Aguila |
| Succeeded by | Praxedis de la Peña García |
| Secretary of War and Navy of Mexico | |
| In office November 18, 1913 – November 21, 1913 |
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| President | Francisco Carvajal |
| Preceded by | Aureliano Blanquet |
| Succeeded by | Eduardo Hay |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
José Refugio Velasco Martínez
July 4, 1849 Aguascalientes City, Aguascalientes, Mexico |
| Died | September 29, 1919 (aged 70) Mexico City, Mexico |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance |  Restored Republic Porfiriato Federales |
| Branch |  Mexican Army |
| Years of service | 1866 – 1914 |
| Rank | Divisional General |
| Battles/wars | Second French intervention in Mexico
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José Refugio Velasco Martínez was a Mexican Divisional General. This means he was a very high-ranking officer in the army. He also served as a governor in several Mexican states.
He joined the Mexican army when he was 17 years old. He learned everything he needed to know on the battlefield. He never went to a military school. He was important in the Second French Intervention in Mexico, during the time of the Porfiriato, and later in the Mexican Revolution. He even became the Secretary of War and Navy for Mexico. He played a big part in ending the rule of Victoriano Huerta.
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Early Life and Military Start
José Refugio Velasco Martínez was born on July 4, 1849. He was born in Aguascalientes City, Mexico. He was baptized just four days later.
On May 25, 1866, when he was 17, he joined the Mexican Army. His family had been treated badly by French leaders. These leaders thought his family supported Benito Juárez. So, José Velasco decided to join the army. He joined a group called the Chihuahua National Guard.
The next year, he joined the regular army. He fought in the Second French Intervention in Mexico. This was a war against the Second Mexican Empire. He helped in the Siege of Queretaro and the Battle of San Jacinto.
Life During the Porfiriato
From 1871 to 1906, José Velasco fought in the Yaqui Wars in Sonora. These wars involved uprisings by the Yaqui people. He took part in many battles during this time.
He also fought in other parts of Mexico. In 1871, he was part of attacks in Mexico City. He also went on expeditions to states like Hidalgo, Oaxaca, Puebla, and Morelos. He helped stop rebellions in these areas. He also chased groups of people in Durango.
Role in the Mexican Revolution
President Francisco I. Madero made him a Brigadier General. Velasco became the Military Chief of Veracruz. He was also the Military Commander of Mexico City. This was until Victoriano Huerta took power. Huerta became president after a coup called the Ten Tragic Days.
Velasco told Huerta he would only recognize him if he was officially appointed. Huerta was recognized by Congress. So, Velasco accepted his new leader. On July 14, 1913, Huerta made Velasco governor and military commander. He served in the states of Mexico, San Luis Potosí, and Coahuila. He was later promoted to Divisional General. He commanded a group called the Nazas Division.
The Second Battle of Torreón
The cities of Torreón and Gómez Palacio were controlled by Villista leaders. These leaders were Calixto Contreras and the Arrieta brothers. On December 9, 1913, Velasco attacked these cities. He captured them after heavy fighting.
However, the fighting got worse on March 30 and 31. On April 2, Velasco's troops had to leave. Francisco Villa won this battle, known as the Second Battle of Torreón. Velasco went to San Pedro de las Colonias to reorganize his troops. He arrived on April 5. On April 14, 1914, General Villa defeated Velasco's troops again.
During this time, Victoriano Huerta wanted to shoot Juan Andreu Almazán. But Velasco stopped it. He prevented Almazán's execution. Later, Pancho Villa asked Velasco not to give up Mexico City. He wanted Velasco to join forces with him. Villa offered to fight together against other groups.
Important Government Roles
On May 16, 1914, José Velasco became the governor of San Luis Potosí. On July 15, Victoriano Huerta resigned as president. Francisco S. Carvajal became the temporary president. He then appointed José Velasco as Secretary of War and Navy. Velasco tried to make Victoriano Huerta leave the country.
The Teoloyucan Treaties
The United States threatened to take over Mexico City. Their troops were already in Veracruz. General Velasco decided to dissolve the Federal Army. This would avoid a direct fight with the United States. He worked with Alfredo Robles Domínguez on this.
He wrote two important messages. One was for the army, and one was for the nation. These led to the Teoloyucan Treaties. They were signed on August 13, 1914. These treaties allowed the Federal Army to be handed over. General Álvaro Obregón signed them. This meant the Constitutionalist Army took over. It was led by Venustiano Carranza. This ended the rule of Victoriano Huerta.
We, the members of the Army, have promised not to cause more civil war. If anyone fails this duty, they will be seen as unpatriotic. They will lose their honor as soldiers. Mexico City, August 13, 1914. (Signed) .- The General, JR Velasco
On August 15, 1914, José Refugio Velasco left Mexico City. He met with General Álvaro Obregón. He then met with General Jesús Carranza in Veracruz. He told him that he had kept his promise. Venustiano Carranza later wrote that Velasco had followed the agreements. Carranza said Velasco could stay in Mexico safely. He could also go abroad and return whenever he wanted.
Even with these guarantees, José Refugio Velasco went to the United States. He lived there in exile.
Later Life
On February 8, 1919, José Refugio Velasco returned to Mexico. He was very ill. He settled in Mexico City. He passed away on March 27, 1919. He was buried in the Panteón Francés de la Piedad. Later, his remains were moved to a crypt in the Metropolitan Cathedral.
See also
In Spanish: José Refugio Velasco para niños
