Final answer:
The statement is true; Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna was a central figure in Mexican politics, a war hero, and served as Mexico's president multiple times during his long career. He played major roles in events like repelling a Spanish invasion, leading the suppression of the Texas Revolution, and the Battle of the Alamo.
Step-by-step explanation:
True: General Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna was indeed a flamboyant Mexican caudillo and war hero who significantly influenced Mexican politics. He first gained popularity as the 'hero of Tampico' for his role in repelling a Spanish attempt to recolonize Mexico in 1829. Following this, Santa Anna led a coup and became the president of Mexico in 1833. As a conservative leader, he installed a new set of laws known as the Siete Leyes (Seven Laws) in 1834, which centralized governmental power and dissolved Congress.
This act spurred discontent among the Texans, who were accustomed to a separated powers system, leading to the Texas Revolution and the eventual declaration of independence and the formation of the Republic of Texas, or the Lone Star Republic, on March 2, 1836.
During the Texas Revolution, Santa Anna personally led an army to quash the rebellion and was the commanding general during the famous Battle of the Alamo. Despite his efforts, Texas successfully gained independence. Over his nearly forty-year career, Santa Anna would install himself as president several times and play a pivotal role in Mexico's tumultuous political landscape throughout his lifetime.