Page 20 - All About History - Issue 28-15

Outlaws

THE SOMBRERO

Anatomy A SYMBOL OF MEXICAN PRIDE

Rather than a quirky fashion accessory,
of sombreros had a very real purpose. From
the Spanish ‘sombra’ for shade, they
were worn to shield the wearer from
the oppressive Mexican sun. This was
AMEXICANBANDIT would travel long distances on horseback.
especially important for bandits, who

ROBIN HOOD WITH MORE FIREPOWER
MEXICO, 1910

BANDOLIER

A WARRIOR’S SASH
This long sash was a pocketed belt for holding
ammunition,usuallyslungovertheshoulder.It
wasn’tjustforintimidation–thebandolierkept
theweightoftheammunitionoffthehipsto
allowforbettermovement.Italsomeantitwas
easilyathandtoquicklyreloadamusketina
hurry,andcouldmeanthedifferencebetween
lifeanddeathintheperilousdayofabandit.

FIATMONEY
THE FUEL OF THE REVOLUTION
Although the bandits initially stole their cash,
when the revolution broke out they began to
print their own fiat money. Far from being
illegal, as long as Villa and the revolutionaries
remained on top, this currency was accepted
even in the USA. This money was used to keep
the military machine running, but as more
was printed, inflation kicked in and this badly
affected the poor they wished to help.

WEAPONS
A GRAB BAG OF FIREARMS
The Mexican rebels in the revolution would
usewhateverarmstheycouldgettheirhands
on,whichledtoahugearrayofweaponson
thefield.Winchesterrepeatingrifleswere
popularamongtherevolutionaries,andthe HORSE
closeproximitytotheAmericanbordermeant
virtually every available firearm produced in THE ORGANIC GETAWAY VEHICLE
Americamadeitswayintotheconflict.
Horses were an important mode of
transportation to speed away from a hold
REVOLUTIONARYZEAL up, but when the Mexican revolution broke
l R
k
t
l ti
tth
THE DRIVING FORCE OF THE
Many of the most famous Me
such as Pancho Villa and Joaq
are immortalised in urban leg
of their noble ideas to destroy
where the poor suffered whil
grew richer. Indeed, it was ma
©KevinMcGivern breaking bandits who later be
revolution that swept the cou
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