For all his charm and energy, Santa Anna was a failure in war. He was plagued by inept soldiers, some of them freed convicts, and he was distracted by sniping from political enemies in the capital. But his basic failures were rooted in his own shortcomings. He was often more show than substance. He loved the challenge of creating his army but drilling it to proficiency bored him. He was a courageous soldier, losing a leg fighting the French in 1838, and had a horse shot out from under him in the Battle of Buena Vista. But his bravery was wasted on officers whom he treated so arrogantly that they hoped he would fail and on troops whom he lashed with a riding crop as they retreated.

Santa Anna's Presidential Robe
This elegant royal-blue cape was worn
over a tunic richly ebroidered with gold thread.
The left pant leg was cut wide to slip easily over his inflexible false leg.