From Latim America 1600 10 1870: From Imperialism To Neo Colonialism

Hist 2103: Latim America 1600 10 1870: From Colonialism to Neo-Colonialism

Question 11- To what extent were there fundamental ideological differences between Liberals and Conservatives in Mexico between 1822 and 1867?

The political of Mexico has seen dramatic change since gaining independence. In order to achieve the political stability it now enjoys, Mexico has fought tremendous battles. The period 1822 to 1867 saw several different leaders as well as different factions with different ideologies the ‘Liberals’ and Conservatives. The Conservatives, representing the large landholders, the Church, the professional army, and the large cities, tried to make Mexico into a highly centralized state based upon the institutions and ideology of the

Iturbide was at the heart of the successful overthrow of Spanish rule. As a result he declared himself emperor of Mexico. Whilst originally seen as the crusader and champion of the independence movement in less than three years Iturbide was reviled and viewed with contempt[2]. By 1823 Mexicans of all classes could no longer see themselves living under Iturbide’s rule which was characterized by autocracy and corruption and decided to overthrow him. Iturbide represented a conservative outlook that embraced monarchy and strong ties to the Catholic Church. Though his leadership was short it ultimately laid the foundation for the pre- and post-independence political struggles that Mexico would endure until the 20th century. This was the first of 75 presidential changes to occur over the 55 year period. With the formation of the Mexican Republic¸ conservative ideologies were advanced with Catholicism being the official religion of the State. However in the years to follow, two distinct groups were identified based on their

The Mexican people had become less conservative. The new reformers of this period were men of diverse social and racial origins, and their primary target was the Church, whose power was still regarded as the real obstacle to national progress. The Church was unlike the Mexican public in that it was still very conservative and did not want any type of radical change. Essentially this was the age of the ‘Liberals’. Named ‘La Reforma’, a social and political revolution began in Mexico in 1854 and lasted until 1876. La Reforma period began with the issuance in 1854 of the Plan de Ayutla, a liberal pronouncement calling for the removal of the dictator Antonio López de Santa Anna. At the helm of this movement was Benito Juárez a Zapotec Indian educated as a middle-class liberal. Benito Juárez was born in the small Zapotec Indian village of San Pablo Guelatao, Oaxaca, on March 21, 1806. His parents, poor peasants, died when he was 3 years old. He was later raised by grandparent and other relatives. He entered politics, working with the Conservative party until his displayed his liberalism by resigning the judgeship because of unwillingness to prosecute those who refused to pay clerical tithes, but the state government soon