Mexico and Central America 1837 CE

What is happening in Mexico and Central America in 1837CE

A popular rebellion against the Spaniards began in 1812 and Mexicans won independence in 1821. The following year the new leaders introduced a constitutional monarchy, with Agustin de Iturbe as Emperor. Less than a year later Iturbe was driven from his new throne and executed. Since then the country has been under the rule of the military dictator, Santa Anna. Under him, Mexico is governed by the creole landowning elite, with the support of the Catholic Church. The Indian peasants see very little change from their former situation under the Spanish.

After the departure of the Spanish, Mexico briefly governed most of the rest of central America, but in 1823 the United Provinces of Central America declared their independence. This federation has experienced conflicts between Conservative and Liberal forces. The former, representing the landowning classes and the Catholic Church, wish to retain the old institutions of Spanish rule, while the Liberals aim for far-reaching social reforms and tax-free foreign trade. The Conservatives control the federal government, but in places the Liberals have seized power and put into action their reform programme.</span

Next map, Mexico and Central America in 1871