Arista, << uh REES tuh, >> Mariano (1802-1855), was a Mexican general who fought against Spain in Mexico’s war for independence. Mexico won the war in 1821. Later, Arista fought against the United States in the Mexican War (1846-1848). During the war, Arista’s forces were defeated at Palo Alto and Resaca de la Palma by U.S. Brigadier General Zachary Taylor. Arista became president of Mexico in 1851, but political instability and resistance from the military after the war led to his resignation in 1853. He then went into exile in Europe. Former Mexican President Antonio López de Santa Anna returned to Mexico after several years in exile and became president again. Arista was born in the Mexican state of San Luis Potosí on July 26, 1802. He died in Europe on Aug. 7, 1855.
