Mexican general, born in Morelia, Mexico; died in June 1861. In 1854 he took part in the revolt against Santa Anna, and raised an army of 2,000 men, who joined the forces under the command of General Juan Álvarez. This general, at the head of the Liberal forces, deposed Santa Anna, and became President, while Degollado, belonging to the Liberal party, and opposed to the church party, devoted his energies to the establishment of the government. He was elected governor of his native state, Michoacan, in 1859, and then elected to Congress. In the meantime the church party had become powerful and aggressive; it had sent an army into the field, and now threatened the government. Its latest outrage was the capture and unprovoked assassinaation of Melchor Ocampo, the friend of Degollado. The latter asked permission to lead an expedition against the rebels. He started out with 150 men, fell into an ambush and was assassinated.
