Most Americans regarded Antonio L?pez de Santa Anna as a villain for his brutal assault on the Alamo in 1836. What many donAÆt realize is that few individuals have caused their own nation greater pain. He lost one-third of MexicoAÆs territory in wars, sold almost another 30,000 square miles while pocketing most of the money, and repeatedly bankrupted the nation. His extravagance was legendary, as testified to by the burial of his amputated leg at the nationAÆs great expense. He served as his countryAÆs president eleven different times in a span of thirty years and was constantly involved in devious political intrigue. Yet, in spite of his failings and notorious reputation today, Santa Anna was often viewed by his people as a hero and savior. Robert Scheina analyzes this complex man and provides a solid overview of MexicoAÆs political history against the fabric of social and cultural turmoil.
