AQUILES SERDÁN ALATRISTE: BIOGRAPHY AND CONTRIBUTIONS - HISTORY - 2025

Aquiles Serdán Alatriste (1877 -1910) was a Mexican politician who stood out for his fight against the reelection of leaders, a movement known as anti-reelectionism. His participation in public life runs in the family, since his grandfather had been governor of Puebla and his father participated in the founding of the Mexican Socialist Party.

They weren't the only examples of political activism around him. Her sister, Carmen, collaborated with her in supporting Madero and against the reelection of Porfirio Díaz.

Even after the death of Aquiles, Carmen continued to defend her liberal ideas, becoming one of the members of the Revolutionary Junta of Puebla after the coup by Victoriano Huerta.

Aquiles Serdán's life was very short, since he died at only 33 years old, riddled by the police who sought to dismantle the rebel cell that was being formed. Despite that, he had time to play a leading role in Madero's first flight to Texas and in his subsequent call to arms.

Years after his death, his figure would be recognized by the government, which named him Benemérito de la Patria.

Childhood and family of Aquiles Serdán

Aquiles Serdán was born on November 2, 1877 in Puebla. His family had stood out for defending liberal ideas, which ended up being fundamental in the politician's career.

His grandfather had already been governor of Puebla, fighting in the Reform War. For his part, the father, who died when Achilles was very young, was one of the organizers of the Socialist Party, as well as being a prominent journalist.

He began his studies at the Franco-Anglo-American college. However, the economic hardships of the family forced him to abandon his training. Thus, very early began to work in the commercial sector.

His first work was carried out in a hardware store, but where he settled was in the distribution of shoes. This work also helped him to see first-hand what was the bad situation of the workers in the country.

First steps in politics

His first steps in political life occurred when he committed himself to the fight against the reelection of the governor of Puebla, Lucio Martínez, known for his authoritarianism and intransigence. In fact, this opposition earned him his first police arrest.

Later, he joined the ranks of the National Democratic Party, led at that time by Bernardo Reyes. Achilles was short-lived, as he soon became disillusioned and focused on the anti-reelection movement.

In this way, in 1909, a group of liberals, among whom were Serdán and his sister, founded the political club "Light and Progress."

Light and progress

This club became the liberal reference in the state. Among its components was a great mass of workers, workers of the existing industry in Puebla.

One of its main activities was the edition and printing of a weekly magazine, published under the name “La No Reelección”. The magazine did not have a large circulation, due to lack of funds. In fact, it was done almost by hand in a small printing press in the city.

However, it is possible to read what would be the summary of Achilles' ideals. For example, in an article he points out that despotic politicians would not be in charge of saving the republic but "men who have not stained their conscience by committing attacks against the Law."

Obviously, this caught the attention of the rulers, who persecuted Serdan and arrested him for a week. When he left, far from being daunted, he continued his work and collaborated in the opening of some 40 similar clubs throughout the State.

Aquiles Serdán and Francisco I. Madero

The two politicians had met in 1908 during a visit Aquiles made to Mexico City. The following year, two events occur that would mark the life of Serdán. On the one hand, he begins to collaborate with the Madero electoral campaign, eager to end the government of Porfirio Díaz and establish a more liberal regime.

On the other hand, a few months later, Madero visits Puebla, a moment that they take advantage of to found the local Anti-reelectionist Party.

Achilles returns to the capital in 1910, for the National Party Convention. There, he is one of the delegates who supports the proclamation of Madero as a candidate for the presidency.

Elections and Madero's Flight

Despite Diaz's promises, Madero is jailed during the voting. When they proclaim the results and declare Porfirio the winner, he decides to free the prisoner. Madero doesn't quite trust the president and decides to flee to Texas.

It is Achilles who goes to find Madero to the United States and places himself at his disposal to start a rebellion. Thus, he is commissioned to organize the uprising in Puebla. The chosen date was November 20, 1910.

However, the State Governor had received reports detailing the plan. The insurgents prepared to advance the date, but the police did not give them much choice.

On November 19, several policemen went to the Serdán house, where the whole family and some followers were. The first attempt to capture them was repulsed, Achilles himself killing the colonel in command.

From there, the situation turned into a real harassment. The Serdán and their supporters tried to make themselves strong in the house, while the police were stationed outside. After four hours of harassment, Achilles' brother, plus several of his supporters, had died.

Death

After that battle, Achilles decides to hide in a niche that he had built to store the weapons. For 14 hours, while the women of his family continued to stand up to the police, the politician remained there, waiting for the best moment to escape.

When the police forces had the situation under control, they proceeded to search the entire house. However, at first they were unsuccessful and even proceeded to call for more reinforcements.

The situation remained the same throughout the night. About 50 agents were searching the house, if they found anything. The next day, November 19, 1910, a noise startled the policemen downstairs. When going up, they saw 9 of their companions surrounding a dead man, allegedly shot while trying to escape. It was Aquiles Serdán.

References

1. Garciadiego, Javier. 133 years after the birth of Aquiles Serdán Alatriste. Recovered from garciadiego.colmex.mx
2. EcuRed. Aquiles Serdán Alatriste. Obtained from ecured.cu
3. The Broken Chair. Who was Aquiles Serdán? Obtained from lasillarota.com
4. Tuck, Jim. Achilles Serdan: Madero's first martyr. Retrieved from mexconnect.com
5. The Biography. Biography of Aquiles Serdán (1876-1910). Retrieved from thebiography.us
6. All About Puebla. The Mexican Revolution Was Started By a Poblana. Obtained from puebla-mexico.com
7. William Beezley, Michael Meyer. The Oxford History of Mexico. Recovered from books.google.es
8. Shorris, Earl. The Life and Times of Mexico. Recovered from books.google.es