The Institutional Revolutionary Party, which governed Mexico for much of the twentieth century, was founded by Plutarco Elías Calles to maintain political cohesion following the assassination of his predecessor, Álvaro Obregón. As a military officer and president from 1924 to 1928, he fundamentally altered the Mexican state through extensive secularist reforms, populist economic initiatives, and long-term administrative centralization.
Military Ascent and Governance
Born in Heroica Guaymas in 1877, Calles entered the Mexican Revolution as a supporter of Francisco I. Madero. He eventually secured the rank of colonel and general within the Constitutional Army. During his tenure as Governor of Sonora starting in 1915, he implemented reformist policies focused on infrastructure, labor rights, and public education. His military performance, particularly at the Battle of Agua Prieta, established his political viability within the Carranza administration.
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During his term as the 47th President of Mexico, Calles championed the country's first populist campaign, emphasizing land redistribution and labor protections. His administration oversaw major public health and educational expansions. However, his firm stance on secularism, which included restrictive anticlerical legislation, triggered the Cristero War. He also attempted to challenge international diplomatic agreements like the Bucareli Treaty, aiming to assert national sovereignty over domestic policy and industry.
The Maximato and Political Influence
Following his departure from the presidency in 1928, Calles remained the de facto leader of Mexico during the period known as the Maximato. Between 1929 and 1934, he functioned as a kingmaker for the administrations of Emilio Portes Gil, Pascual Ortiz Rubio, and Abelardo Rodríguez. This influence solidified through the creation of the Institutional Revolutionary Party, designed to consolidate various political factions. His ideological trajectory shifted toward conservatism during these years.
Final Years
The end of his political dominance arrived under the presidency of Lázaro Cárdenas, who forced Calles into exile. After years of absence, he was permitted to return to Mexico in 1941. He spent his final years in Mexico City, where he passed away in 1945. His remains were subsequently interred at the Monument to the Revolution.
Fast facts
- Born: 1877, Heroica Guaymas
- Died: 1945, Mexico City
- President of Mexico: 1924-1928
- Military Rank: Colonel
- Religion: Atheism
- Political Party: Institutional Revolutionary Party
- Citizenship: Mexico
Questions readers ask
What was the Maximato?
The Maximato was a six-year period from 1929 to 1934 where Calles exercised de facto control over the Mexican government, serving as a kingmaker for three successive presidents.
Why did the Cristero War start?
The conflict began as a direct reaction to the secularist and anticlerical laws implemented by Calles, which aimed to curb the influence of the Catholic Church.
Achievements
- President of Mexico (1924–1928)
- minister
