Felipe Adolfo de la Huerta Marcor served as the 45th President of Mexico between June and November 1920. Ascending to the presidency following the assassination of Venustiano Carranza, he focused on national reconciliation and the pacification of revolutionary factions. His career spanned service as a state governor, diplomat, and finance minister during a volatile period of internal conflict.
Early Political Development in Sonora
Born in Heroica Guaymas on 26 May 1881, de la Huerta received his education at the Escuela Nacional Preparatoria. He initially studied music in Hermosillo, earning a certificate, but pursued work as a bookkeeper to support his family. His transition into politics began in 1908 when he joined an Anti-Reelectionist club. By 1911, he secured a seat in the Sonora state legislature, defeating Plutarco Elías Calles. When Victoriano Huerta seized power in 1913, de la Huerta joined the Constitutionalist movement.
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Tensions between de la Huerta and President Carranza escalated over state control of Sonora and the treatment of indigenous Yaqui populations. Alongside generals Álvaro Obregón and Plutarco Elías Calles, de la Huerta drafted the Plan of Agua Prieta, which led to the overthrow of the Carranza government. Upon taking the office of interim president, he negotiated the surrender of Pancho Villa, granting the former revolutionary an hacienda. He also encouraged exiles to return and issued pardons to supporters of the previous administration.
Financial Negotiations and Failed Rebellion
After stepping down from the presidency, de la Huerta became the minister of the Secretariat of Finance and Public Credit. During this tenure, he negotiated the De la Huerta–Lamont Treaty. In 1923, he led a revolt against President Obregón, citing government corruption and opposition to the presidential succession of Calles. The rebellion failed due to Obregón's superior resources and United States support. Following the defeat, de la Huerta fled to Los Angeles on 7 March 1924.
Exile and Final Years
De la Huerta remained in exile until 1935, when President Lázaro Cárdenas invited him to return to Mexico. He was appointed as the inspector of Mexican consulates in the United States, a role he maintained until his retirement in 1946. He lived his remaining years in Mexico City, where he died on 9 July 1955 at age 74.
Fast facts
- Born: 26 May 1881, Heroica Guaymas
- Died: 9 July 1955, Mexico City
- President of Mexico: 1920
- Military rank: General
- Education: Escuela Nacional Preparatoria
- Major treaty: De la Huerta–Lamont Treaty
Questions readers ask
What was the main outcome of his interim presidency?
He oversaw a transition to peace, pardoned political opponents, and successfully negotiated the surrender of Pancho Villa.
Why did he rebel against Obregón in 1923?
He accused Obregón of corruption and opposed the president's decision to support Plutarco Elías Calles as the next presidential candidate.
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