Cárdenas, Lázaro (1895-1970)

Mexican centre-left politician and general, president 1934-40. A civil servant in early life, Cárdenas took part in the revolutionary campaigns 1913-28 that followed the fall of President Porfirio Díaz. As president of the republic, he attempted to achieve the goals of the revolution by building schools, distributing land to the peasants, developing workers' cooperatives, nationalizing foreign oil properties, and developing transport and industry. Although he was popular, the constitution restricted him to one term in office. He was minister of defence 1943-45.

Of humble mestizo (mixed Spanish and American Indian) peasant origin, he reached the rank of general before serving as governor of his home state of Michoacán 1928-38.