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Pancho Villa was born June 5, 1878. He was born in Hacienda de Rio Grande, Mexico. His original name is Doroteo Arango, his full name is Jose Doroteo Arango Arambula.
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In 1910, he joined Francisco Madero’s uprising against Porfirio Diaz, the dictator of Mexico. After the success of the revolution, he remained in the army.
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In 1912, Villa kindled the suspicion of Gen. Victoriano Huerta, who sentenced him to death. However, Madero sent him to prison instead. In November, he escaped to the United States.
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Madero’s assassination in 1913 led Villa to return to Mexico. Where he formed a band of Military men. They became known as the Division del Norte.
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The bandit who changed his name for hiding, loved photographs. He even signed a contract with Hollywood’s Mutual Film Company to have several of his battles filmed. In December, 1913, he became governor of the state of Chihuahua.
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Villa and Venustiano Carranza, won a victory together over Victoriano Huerta. Together the victorious leaders entered Mexico City. Later, however, a rivalry broke out between them, and Villa was forced to flee with Emiliano Zapata, in 1914.
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In January, 1916, he executed at least 17 U.S citizens at Santa Isabel, Chihuahua. Horribly defeated by Carranza, they had to show that he did not control northern Mexico.
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In March, 1916, Villa attacked Columbus, New Mexico. Killing 17 Americans. U.S. Pres. Woodrow Wilson sent an expedition to that area, but the Mexican government did not like their presence on Mexican soil. Proving it impossible to capture Villa.
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After the overthrow of Carranza from government in 1920, Villa was granted a ranch near Parral, Chihuahua. If he agreed to retire from politics.
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On July 20, 1923, in Hidalgo del Parral, Mexico, he was assassinated. While he was driving home in his car.
