Mariano Arista

Mariano Arista (1802-1855), Mexican soldier and statesman, born in San Luis Potosí. He received a military education and served in the Spanish army until June 1821, when he joined the Mexican independence movement. He was subsequently promoted through various grades to the rank of general, but was exiled during Santa Anna's presidency from 1833 to 1836. In 1846, during the Mexican War, fought against the U.S., an army under his command was defeated in the battles of Palo Alto and Resaca de la Palma by American forces under General Zachary Taylor. Arista served as minister of war in the administration of President José Joaquín Herrera from 1848 to 1851, when he succeeded Herrera in the presidency. A conservative coalition forced his resignation in January 1853, and shortly thereafter he was exiled again.