1895-1970. Mexican centre-left politician and
general, president 1934-40. A civil servant
in early life, Cardenas took part in the
revolutionary campaigns 1915-29 that followed
the fall of President Diaz (1830-1915). As
president of the republic, he attempted to
achieve the goals of the revolution by
building schools, distributing land to the
peasants, and developing transport and
industry. He was minister of defence 1943-45.