Zapata, Emiliano, << sah PAH tah, `eh` mee LYAH noh >> (1879-1919), was a leader of the Mexican Revolution , which began in 1910. His main goal was to gain land for the people. Zapata refused to lay down his arms until revolutionary leader Francisco Madero distributed land. In 1911, unhappy with Madero’s gradual reforms, Zapata issued a program of immediate land reform known as the “Plan de Ayala.” He also refused to recognize the authority of Victoriano Huerta, who overthrew Madero in 1913. In 1914, Zapata occupied Mexico City with Pancho Villa. Zapata was murdered by Colonel Jesus Guajardo on April 10, 1919. He was born on Aug. 8, 1879, in Anenecuilco, Morelos. See also Mexico (The Constitution of 1917) .
