Antonio de Padua María Severino López de Santa Anna y Pérez de Lebrón was born in Xalapa, Veracruz, Nueva España (New Spain), on 21 February 1794. He was from a respected Spanish colonial family; he and his parents, Antonio López de Santa Anna and Manuela Pérez de Lebrón, belonged to the elite criollo racial group of American-born Spaniards. His father was a royal army officer perpetually in debt.
He began his military career as a cadet at the age of fifteen, and in 1821 won prominence by briefly supporting Agustínde Iturbide. Careful to make profitable political alliances, Santa Anna advanced steadily and became governor first of Yucatán, then of his native Veracruz. In 1829 he commanded the forces which defeated the Spaniards as they attempted to recapture Mexico. He became president in 1833 and held the office until his defeat by the Texans under Sam Houston at the Battle of San Jacinto in 1836. After two years of retirement, Santa Anna led an army against a French invasion and lost a leg in the fighting. In 1841 he became president and dictator. Ousted in 1845, he was reinstated in 1846, and commanded Mexico's army in the war with the United States. After the American capture of Mexico City in 1847, Santa Anna fled the country, but he returned in 1853 and again set himself up as dictator. Two years later his authority was destroyed by a revolt, and he was exiled. His repeated efforts to reenter Mexico finally succeeded after the amnesty of 1874, but his political career was at an end. Santa Anna was an unscrupulous opportunist whose only political principle apparently was expediency. He is remembered in American history as the perpetrator of the massacre at The Alamo in 1836. He died in poverty in Mexico City, June 20, 1876.
An enigmatic, patriotic and controversial figure, Santa Anna had great power in Mexico; during a turbulent 40-year career, he served as general at crucial points and served eleven non-consecutive presidential terms over a period of 22 years. A wealthy landowner, he built a firm political base in the major port city of Veracruz. He was perceived as a hero by his troops; he sought glory for himself and his army, and independent Mexico. He repeatedly rebuilt his reputation after major losses. His political positions changed frequently in his lifetime; "his opportunistic politics made him a Liberal, Conservative, and uncrowned king. "
Santa Anna married twice, both times to wealthy young girls under the age of 15. In 1825, he married María Inés García, the daughter of wealthy Spanish parents in Veracruz, and the couple had four children. Two months after the death of his wife Inés García's in 1844, the 50-year-old Santa Anna married 16-year-old María de los Dolores de Tosta. They had no children.
