Emiliano Zapata-Salazar

Emiliano Zapata's Statue

"Tierra y Libertad" (Land and Liberty) is what Emiliano Zapata would say during the Mexican Revolution. I chose Emiliano Zapata as my hero because he inspires me so much! He was a leading figure in the Mexican Revolution (1910-1920), and he did whatever he could, to the fullest of his power, to help the Mexicans gain their land and liberty back from the huge hacienda owners (people who lived a comfortable life from the profits produced by cheap labor) that had snatched it from them. That inspires me to help others for what is right to the fullest of my power.

Emiliano Zapata was a very honest person, and that's why people had lots of respect for him. They knew they could trust him with everything. He was born in Anenecuilo, Morelos, Mexico, on August 8, 1879. He died on April 10, 1919. His parents were Gabriel Zapata and Cleofas Salazar. Emiliano was the President of The Village Council, so he had to do something about the hacienda owners that were taking the land from the Mexicans. He accomplished his goal to get the Mexicans their land and freedom back, even after his death.

Emiliano Zapata

On April 10, 1919 Guajardo invited him to a conference. He had lied to Emiliano and said he had wanted to "switch sides." When he was arriving at the agreed location (Hacienda de San Juan, in Chinameca) Guajardo's men shot Emiliano with bullets. Then they took his body to Cuatala to claim the bounty.

Emiliano Zapata was a very honest and trustworthy person. He helped the Mexicans so much by gaining their freedom and their land. He made me feel that anything could be possible! He made me feel like fighting for something you believe is right, something you love, is possible. You just have to have lots of dedication. He went to the end to help the Mexicans. That is just WOW!