Lázaro Cárdenas was president of Mexico from 1934 to 1940 and is one of the most admired presidents of the twentieth century. He promoted land reform, supported workers and peasants, and strengthened the social goals of the Mexican Revolution.

Cárdenas is especially remembered for the 1938 expropriation of the oil industry, which became a symbol of national sovereignty. For citizenship learners, he represents social reform, state-building, and Mexico’s control over its natural resources.