Salazar, Emiliano Zapata

(1879–1919) was the main leader of the peasant revolution in the state of Morelos, and the founder of the agrarian movement called Zapatismo. Zapata focused his energies on rebuilding society in Morelos, which he controlled; instituting the land reforms he wanted. As Carranza consolidated his power and won over Villa, Zapata initiated guerrilla warfare against the carrancistas, who in turn invaded Morelos, once again employing scorched-earth tactics to oust the Zapatista rebels. Zapata once again retook Morelos in 1917 and held most of the state against Carranza’s troops until he was killed in an ambush in 1919. After his death, Zapatista generals aligned with Obregón against Carranza. They instituted many of the land reforms planned by Zapata in the state of Morelos.