The History of Mexico

Mexican Liberals strongly believed in federalism, adored the U.S. Constitution, and hated the Catholic Church—specifically its influence and wealth. Liberals sought to secularize missions and education, as well as confiscate Church lands and funds. They were opposed by an equal number of Mexican Conservatives. The Conservatives were devout Catholics, they wanted a strong central government, and they took pride in Mexico’s Spanish heritage, which liberals disdained.

The constant fighting between Liberals and Conservatives made for a confused country, in economic disarray, that was on the brink of collapse by 1850. Mexico had 38 presidents in 33 years (1822-1855).

Mexico was a backward country. A trip on its best highway, which covered the 300 miles from Veracruz to Mexico City, took four days over a succession of holes and rocks. Mexico was a large country plagued by poor communications. This sense of isolation led to powerful regionalism hostile to national unity.

In 1828, all Spaniards were expelled from Mexico. The following year Spain invaded in retaliation. Spanish soldiers landed at Tampico, but most of them quickly fell sick from malaria and yellow fever. The Spanish were repelled by General Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna, which made him a huge hero to the Mexican people.

The Conservative candidate, Manuel Gomez Pedraza, was elected president in 1828. Liberals did not accept the results. They bombarded the National Palace with cannons, and staged a military coup that installed Vicente Guerrero as head of state. Guerrero served eight months—during which he abolished slavery—before he was ousted in a coup by the Conservatives, and executed.

The Conservative president, Anastasio Bustamante, was forced into exile by the Liberals, and civil war erupted. In 1833, new elections were held and the winner was: Santa Anna.

This was the chaotic state of affairs in Mexico when serious disputes began that involved its neighbor to the north, the United States of America. The result was the Mexican-American War. That complex story I have written about in a companion piece to this one. Just follow the link above to find it.

Article source: http://hubpages.com/hub/The-History-of-Mexico

Source: Ixtapa Information