Spanish reconquest of Mexico
Encyclopedia
The Spanish reconquest attempts in Mexico were episodes of war in Mexico
that were comprised in clashes between the newly born Mexican nation and Spain
, mainly covered two periods first attempts from 1821 to 1825 and the defense of territorial waters and second period divided into two stages includes the Mexican expansion plan to take Cuba
between 1826 and 1828 and the 1829 expedition of Spanish General Isidro Barradas on Mexican soil. Although the Spanish never regained the country they did damage the fledging economy.
Mexico
was devastated by 11 years of war of independence
, the independentists never had a clear plan or bases to be followed in case of gaining independence. After independence, Mexico had a hectic political life, between the internal struggles for seeking better government system
, the complete lack of treasure
, the responsibility to control a country of over 4.5 million km² and rebellions that emerged in the country, avoided the Mexican government pay attention to the closeness that had Spain
from Cuba
to Mexico.
.
Spain did not recognize the treaties arguing that the viceroy Juan O'Donoju
had no authority to recognize the independence of any overseas province. This situation represented a great danger to the newly acquired status of the nation, without recognition of any of the great powers that could support it, the threat of Spanish reconquest was great concern to the rulers of that time. On May 13, 1822 decrees were issued by the government giving prison sentences to anyone who conspired against Mexico's independence.
In addition, the main maritime entrance of Mexico, the port of San Juan de Ulúa
remained under the dominion of the Spanish.
had been committed with General Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna
to surrender the port to the Mexicans, however, the night before the appointed day, on October 26, 1821, he moved to the castle of San Juan de Ulúa
with 200 infantry, all the artillery and ammunition from the port, and over 90 thousand pesos of the Spanish government. Soon the number of soldiers increased to 2,000 troops sent by Spain from Cuba for the purpose of the reconquest of Mexico.
Since the Mexican army did not have enough weapons and ships, the emperor Agustín de Iturbide
opted for negotiations with the Spanish. Although no favourable agreement was met, an ineasy peace continued to exist between the two factions.
The arrival of then Brigadier General Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna
to the government of the city on September 10, 1822, marks another episode of negotiations between the Mexican authorities of Veracruz
and the Spanish of San Juan de Ulua; where these become critical, even more so when the Spanish government relieved of his charge to Gen. Davila to put in place to Brigadier General Francisco Lemaur. The Mexican government aware of the lack of boats decided to create a naval force whose aim was to defeat the Spanish garrison which was in Ulua, mainly through the blockade. In 1822 it acquired from the U.S.A. and then in United Kingdom
, the first ships of which starts the Mexican Navy
.
Despite the internal problems in Mexico, the overthrow of the empire and the establishment of the Republic, the sight of the Mexicans on Ulua remained fixed. The talks were aggravated while the September 25, 1823, the Spanish bombed the port of Veracruz, causing the displacement of more than 6,000 civilians had left the port.
expressed the urgency for the nation was the acquisition of more warships to block and attack the Spanish who were in the fortress.
On January 28, 1825, General Francisco Lemaur was relieved of command of San Juan de Ulua by Joseph Coppinger. On July 27, 1825, the frigate captain Pedro Sainz de Baranda was appointed commander of Navy in the port of Veracruz, who immediately dedicated himself to reorganize the squadron was commissioned for the blockade of San Juan De Ulua.
Ulua was forced to surrender to the effectiveness of blocking and receiving little help from Havana
. As Coppinger requested the suspension of hostilities and to negotiate arrangements for the surrender. The problem had started on 26 October 1821, was concluded by the Mexican Navy, which did capitulate to last Spanish stronghold in Mexico on November 23, 1825.
Despite the victory of Mexico over the last Spanish bastion in Ulua, Spain
refused to recognize the Treaty of Cordoba
and hence the independence of Mexico.
The Mexican government led by Guadalupe Victoria
came to the conclusion that Spain by not recognize the treaties, would treat recover Mexico using Cuba as platform. Lucas Alaman
, who was the then Minister of Foreign Affairs in Mexico
, assessed the threat posed by Cuba
for Mexico
. Since 1824, Lucas Alaman held the idea that Mexico should take over Cuba, arguing that Cuba without Mexico is aimed at imperialist yoke; Mexico without Cuba is a prisoner of the Gulf of Mexico. He believed that the Mexican forces with the support offered by some powers as France
and England
(Which had been the first European power to recognize the independence of Mexico on July 16, 1836).
United States insists on the retention of Cuba by the Spanish government. Following the Mexican ambitions to own the island of Cuba and to prevent the Spanish conquest, the government contract to Commodore David Porter. Porter took command of the Mexican lines in order to attack maritime lines of Spain on the island of Cuba, trying to protect Mexican seas and seizing the island or promote an independence movement that harass Spain. Thus began patrols of the Mexican squad in Spanish waters and that is how the February 10, 1828 the Battle of Mariel took place, which lost and where died Frigate Captain David Henry Porter, nephew of Porter, after claiming attacks against him, return to the United States.
, who left port with 3.586 soldiers with the name "Spearhead Division" and on July 5, went to Mexico. The fleet consisted of a flagship, called the Sovereign, two frigates, two gunships and 15 transport ships, each commanded by Admiral Laborde.
On July 26, 1829 the fleet arrived in Cabo Rojo
, near Tampico
(State of Tamaulipas
), and from there began its operations on 27 trying to land 750 troops and 25 boats. The expedition began their advance towards Tampico while the boats were moored at the Pánuco River
. The Battle of Pueblo Viejo, which developed between 10 and September 11, 1829 marked the end of the Spanish conquest attempts in Mexico. General Isidro Barradas signed the capitulation of Pueblo Viejo, in the presence of generals Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna
, Manuel Mier y Teran and Felipe de la Garza.
Finally On December 28, 1836, Spain
recognized the independence of Mexico
under the treaty Santa Maria-Calatrava, signed in Madrid by the Mexican Commissioner Miguel Santa Maria and the Spanish state minister Jose Maria Calatrava. Mexico
was the first former colony whose independence was recognized by Spain
; the second was Ecuador
on February 16, 1840.
Mexico
The United Mexican States , commonly known as Mexico , is a federal constitutional republic in North America. It is bordered on the north by the United States; on the south and west by the Pacific Ocean; on the southeast by Guatemala, Belize, and the Caribbean Sea; and on the east by the Gulf of...
that were comprised in clashes between the newly born Mexican nation and Spain
Spain
Spain , officially the Kingdom of Spain languages]] under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages. In each of these, Spain's official name is as follows:;;;;;;), is a country and member state of the European Union located in southwestern Europe on the Iberian Peninsula...
, mainly covered two periods first attempts from 1821 to 1825 and the defense of territorial waters and second period divided into two stages includes the Mexican expansion plan to take Cuba
Cuba
The Republic of Cuba is an island nation in the Caribbean. The nation of Cuba consists of the main island of Cuba, the Isla de la Juventud, and several archipelagos. Havana is the largest city in Cuba and the country's capital. Santiago de Cuba is the second largest city...
between 1826 and 1828 and the 1829 expedition of Spanish General Isidro Barradas on Mexican soil. Although the Spanish never regained the country they did damage the fledging economy.
Mexico
Mexico
The United Mexican States , commonly known as Mexico , is a federal constitutional republic in North America. It is bordered on the north by the United States; on the south and west by the Pacific Ocean; on the southeast by Guatemala, Belize, and the Caribbean Sea; and on the east by the Gulf of...
was devastated by 11 years of war of independence
Mexican War of Independence
The Mexican War of Independence was an armed conflict between the people of Mexico and the Spanish colonial authorities which started on 16 September 1810. The movement, which became known as the Mexican War of Independence, was led by Mexican-born Spaniards, Mestizos and Amerindians who sought...
, the independentists never had a clear plan or bases to be followed in case of gaining independence. After independence, Mexico had a hectic political life, between the internal struggles for seeking better government system
Form of government
A form of government, or form of state governance, refers to the set of political institutions by which a government of a state is organized. Synonyms include "regime type" and "system of government".-Empirical and conceptual problems:...
, the complete lack of treasure
Money
Money is any object or record that is generally accepted as payment for goods and services and repayment of debts in a given country or socio-economic context. The main functions of money are distinguished as: a medium of exchange; a unit of account; a store of value; and, occasionally in the past,...
, the responsibility to control a country of over 4.5 million km² and rebellions that emerged in the country, avoided the Mexican government pay attention to the closeness that had Spain
Spain
Spain , officially the Kingdom of Spain languages]] under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages. In each of these, Spain's official name is as follows:;;;;;;), is a country and member state of the European Union located in southwestern Europe on the Iberian Peninsula...
from Cuba
Cuba
The Republic of Cuba is an island nation in the Caribbean. The nation of Cuba consists of the main island of Cuba, the Isla de la Juventud, and several archipelagos. Havana is the largest city in Cuba and the country's capital. Santiago de Cuba is the second largest city...
to Mexico.
Background
The September 16, 1810 declared independence was officially achieved on September 27, 1821, under the Treaty of CórdobaTreaty of Córdoba
The Treaty of Córdova established Mexican independence from Spain at the conclusion of the Mexican War of Independence. It was signed on August 24, 1821 in Córdoba, Veracruz, Mexico. The signatories were the head of the Army of the Three Guarantees, Agustín de Iturbide, and acting on behalf of the...
.
Spain did not recognize the treaties arguing that the viceroy Juan O'Donoju
Juan O'Donojú
Juan O'Donojú y O'Rian was a Spanish military officer and jefe político superior of New Spain from July 21, 1821 to September 28, 1821, during Mexico's war of independence...
had no authority to recognize the independence of any overseas province. This situation represented a great danger to the newly acquired status of the nation, without recognition of any of the great powers that could support it, the threat of Spanish reconquest was great concern to the rulers of that time. On May 13, 1822 decrees were issued by the government giving prison sentences to anyone who conspired against Mexico's independence.
In addition, the main maritime entrance of Mexico, the port of San Juan de Ulúa
San Juan de Ulúa
San Juan de Ulúa, also known as Castle of San Juan de Ulúa is a large complex of fortresses, prisons and one former palace on an island overlooking the seaport of Veracruz, Mexico.-History:...
remained under the dominion of the Spanish.
San Juan de Ulúa
Gen. José García Dávila who was the governor of the Spanish crown in VeracruzVeracruz
Veracruz, formally Veracruz de Ignacio de la Llave officially Estado Libre y Soberano de Veracruz de Ignacio de la Llave , is one of the 31 states that, along with the Federal District, comprise the 32 federative entities of Mexico. It is divided in 212 municipalities and its capital city is...
had been committed with General Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna
Antonio López de Santa Anna
Antonio de Padua María Severino López de Santa Anna y Pérez de Lebrón , often known as Santa Anna or López de Santa Anna, known as "the Napoleon of the West," was a Mexican political leader, general, and president who greatly influenced early Mexican and Spanish politics and government...
to surrender the port to the Mexicans, however, the night before the appointed day, on October 26, 1821, he moved to the castle of San Juan de Ulúa
San Juan de Ulúa
San Juan de Ulúa, also known as Castle of San Juan de Ulúa is a large complex of fortresses, prisons and one former palace on an island overlooking the seaport of Veracruz, Mexico.-History:...
with 200 infantry, all the artillery and ammunition from the port, and over 90 thousand pesos of the Spanish government. Soon the number of soldiers increased to 2,000 troops sent by Spain from Cuba for the purpose of the reconquest of Mexico.
Since the Mexican army did not have enough weapons and ships, the emperor Agustín de Iturbide
Agustín de Iturbide
Agustín Cosme Damián de Iturbide y Aramburu , also known as Augustine I of Mexico, was a Mexican army general who built a successful political and military coalition that was able to march into Mexico City on 27 September 1821, decisively ending the Mexican War of Independence...
opted for negotiations with the Spanish. Although no favourable agreement was met, an ineasy peace continued to exist between the two factions.
The arrival of then Brigadier General Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna
Antonio López de Santa Anna
Antonio de Padua María Severino López de Santa Anna y Pérez de Lebrón , often known as Santa Anna or López de Santa Anna, known as "the Napoleon of the West," was a Mexican political leader, general, and president who greatly influenced early Mexican and Spanish politics and government...
to the government of the city on September 10, 1822, marks another episode of negotiations between the Mexican authorities of Veracruz
Veracruz
Veracruz, formally Veracruz de Ignacio de la Llave officially Estado Libre y Soberano de Veracruz de Ignacio de la Llave , is one of the 31 states that, along with the Federal District, comprise the 32 federative entities of Mexico. It is divided in 212 municipalities and its capital city is...
and the Spanish of San Juan de Ulua; where these become critical, even more so when the Spanish government relieved of his charge to Gen. Davila to put in place to Brigadier General Francisco Lemaur. The Mexican government aware of the lack of boats decided to create a naval force whose aim was to defeat the Spanish garrison which was in Ulua, mainly through the blockade. In 1822 it acquired from the U.S.A. and then in United Kingdom
United Kingdom
The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern IrelandIn the United Kingdom and Dependencies, other languages have been officially recognised as legitimate autochthonous languages under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages...
, the first ships of which starts the Mexican Navy
Mexican Navy
The Mexican Navy is the naval branch of the Mexican military responsible for conducting naval operations. Its stated mission is "to use the naval force of the federation for the exterior defense, and to help with internal order". The Navy consists of about 56,000 men and women plus reserves, over...
.
Despite the internal problems in Mexico, the overthrow of the empire and the establishment of the Republic, the sight of the Mexicans on Ulua remained fixed. The talks were aggravated while the September 25, 1823, the Spanish bombed the port of Veracruz, causing the displacement of more than 6,000 civilians had left the port.
The capitulation of San Juan de Ulua
After the bombing of the port by the Spanish, the Mexican government decided to end the Spanish conquest attempts, although at the time didn't have a proper navy, was issued on October 8, 1823 the decree of blockade San Juan de Ulua. To meet the objective, then Secretary of War and Navy, José Joaquín de Herrera was presented to the First Congress of MexicoCongress of Mexico
The Congress of the Union is the legislative branch of the Mexican government...
expressed the urgency for the nation was the acquisition of more warships to block and attack the Spanish who were in the fortress.
On January 28, 1825, General Francisco Lemaur was relieved of command of San Juan de Ulua by Joseph Coppinger. On July 27, 1825, the frigate captain Pedro Sainz de Baranda was appointed commander of Navy in the port of Veracruz, who immediately dedicated himself to reorganize the squadron was commissioned for the blockade of San Juan De Ulua.
Ulua was forced to surrender to the effectiveness of blocking and receiving little help from Havana
Havana
Havana is the capital city, province, major port, and leading commercial centre of Cuba. The city proper has a population of 2.1 million inhabitants, and it spans a total of — making it the largest city in the Caribbean region, and the most populous...
. As Coppinger requested the suspension of hostilities and to negotiate arrangements for the surrender. The problem had started on 26 October 1821, was concluded by the Mexican Navy, which did capitulate to last Spanish stronghold in Mexico on November 23, 1825.
Protection of the seas and ambitions in Cuba
Spain
Spain , officially the Kingdom of Spain languages]] under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages. In each of these, Spain's official name is as follows:;;;;;;), is a country and member state of the European Union located in southwestern Europe on the Iberian Peninsula...
refused to recognize the Treaty of Cordoba
Treaty of Córdoba
The Treaty of Córdova established Mexican independence from Spain at the conclusion of the Mexican War of Independence. It was signed on August 24, 1821 in Córdoba, Veracruz, Mexico. The signatories were the head of the Army of the Three Guarantees, Agustín de Iturbide, and acting on behalf of the...
and hence the independence of Mexico.
The Mexican government led by Guadalupe Victoria
Guadalupe Victoria
Guadalupe Victoria born José Miguel Ramón Adaucto Fernández y Félix, was a Mexican politician and military man who fought for independence against the Spanish Empire in the Mexican War of Independence. He was a deputy for Durango and a member of the Supreme Executive Power...
came to the conclusion that Spain by not recognize the treaties, would treat recover Mexico using Cuba as platform. Lucas Alaman
Lucas Alamán
Lucas Ignacio Alamán y Escalada was a Mexican scientist, politician, historian and writer. He studied at the Real Colegio de Minas de la Nueva España. He frequently traveled on his credentials as a scientist and diplomat, becoming one of the most educated men in Mexico...
, who was the then Minister of Foreign Affairs in Mexico
Secretariat of Foreign Affairs (Mexico)
The Secretariat of Foreign Affairs is the government department responsible for Mexico's foreign affairs.-Missions:Mexico currently has:* 73 Embassies* 33 Consulates-Generals* 35 Consulates...
, assessed the threat posed by Cuba
Cuba
The Republic of Cuba is an island nation in the Caribbean. The nation of Cuba consists of the main island of Cuba, the Isla de la Juventud, and several archipelagos. Havana is the largest city in Cuba and the country's capital. Santiago de Cuba is the second largest city...
for Mexico
Mexico
The United Mexican States , commonly known as Mexico , is a federal constitutional republic in North America. It is bordered on the north by the United States; on the south and west by the Pacific Ocean; on the southeast by Guatemala, Belize, and the Caribbean Sea; and on the east by the Gulf of...
. Since 1824, Lucas Alaman held the idea that Mexico should take over Cuba, arguing that Cuba without Mexico is aimed at imperialist yoke; Mexico without Cuba is a prisoner of the Gulf of Mexico. He believed that the Mexican forces with the support offered by some powers as France
France
The French Republic , The French Republic , The French Republic , (commonly known as France , is a unitary semi-presidential republic in Western Europe with several overseas territories and islands located on other continents and in the Indian, Pacific, and Atlantic oceans. Metropolitan France...
and England
England
England is a country that is part of the United Kingdom. It shares land borders with Scotland to the north and Wales to the west; the Irish Sea is to the north west, the Celtic Sea to the south west, with the North Sea to the east and the English Channel to the south separating it from continental...
(Which had been the first European power to recognize the independence of Mexico on July 16, 1836).
United States insists on the retention of Cuba by the Spanish government. Following the Mexican ambitions to own the island of Cuba and to prevent the Spanish conquest, the government contract to Commodore David Porter. Porter took command of the Mexican lines in order to attack maritime lines of Spain on the island of Cuba, trying to protect Mexican seas and seizing the island or promote an independence movement that harass Spain. Thus began patrols of the Mexican squad in Spanish waters and that is how the February 10, 1828 the Battle of Mariel took place, which lost and where died Frigate Captain David Henry Porter, nephew of Porter, after claiming attacks against him, return to the United States.
Battle of Pueblo Viejo
One year after the Battle of Mariel, there was a new attempt at reconquest by Spain, from Cuba, confirming the suspicions of the Mexican authorities. Spain appointed Gen. Isidro BarradasIsidro Barradas
Isidro Barradas was a Spanish general sent to Mexico in 1829, eight years after Mexican independence, to try to reconquer the country for the Spanish Crown.-The background:...
, who left port with 3.586 soldiers with the name "Spearhead Division" and on July 5, went to Mexico. The fleet consisted of a flagship, called the Sovereign, two frigates, two gunships and 15 transport ships, each commanded by Admiral Laborde.
On July 26, 1829 the fleet arrived in Cabo Rojo
Cabo Rojo (Mexico)
Cabo Rojo is a barrier of quartzite sand deposited adjacent to the coast of the Mexican state of Veracruz, about south of the city of Tampico, Tamaulipas. It encloses the brackish lagoon called Laguna de Tamiahua...
, near Tampico
Tampico
Tampico is a city and port in the state of Tamaulipas, in the country of Mexico. It is located in the southeastern part of the state, directly north across the border from Veracruz. Tampico is the third largest city in Tamaulipas, and counts with a population of 309,003. The Metropolitan area of...
(State of Tamaulipas
Tamaulipas
Tamaulipas officially Estado Libre y Soberano de Tamaulipas is one of the 31 states which, with the Federal District, comprise the 32 Federal Entities of Mexico. It is divided in 43 municipalities and its capital city is Ciudad Victoria. The capital city was named after Guadalupe Victoria, the...
), and from there began its operations on 27 trying to land 750 troops and 25 boats. The expedition began their advance towards Tampico while the boats were moored at the Pánuco River
Pánuco River
The Pánuco River is a river in Mexico that flows from the River Moctezuma in the Valley of Mexico to the Gulf of Mexico.At its source, it serves as a channel for water-drainage for Mexico City. From there, it becomes the state border between Hidalgo and Querétaro as it moves towards San Luis...
. The Battle of Pueblo Viejo, which developed between 10 and September 11, 1829 marked the end of the Spanish conquest attempts in Mexico. General Isidro Barradas signed the capitulation of Pueblo Viejo, in the presence of generals Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna
Antonio López de Santa Anna
Antonio de Padua María Severino López de Santa Anna y Pérez de Lebrón , often known as Santa Anna or López de Santa Anna, known as "the Napoleon of the West," was a Mexican political leader, general, and president who greatly influenced early Mexican and Spanish politics and government...
, Manuel Mier y Teran and Felipe de la Garza.
Finally On December 28, 1836, Spain
Spain
Spain , officially the Kingdom of Spain languages]] under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages. In each of these, Spain's official name is as follows:;;;;;;), is a country and member state of the European Union located in southwestern Europe on the Iberian Peninsula...
recognized the independence of Mexico
Mexico
The United Mexican States , commonly known as Mexico , is a federal constitutional republic in North America. It is bordered on the north by the United States; on the south and west by the Pacific Ocean; on the southeast by Guatemala, Belize, and the Caribbean Sea; and on the east by the Gulf of...
under the treaty Santa Maria-Calatrava, signed in Madrid by the Mexican Commissioner Miguel Santa Maria and the Spanish state minister Jose Maria Calatrava. Mexico
Mexico
The United Mexican States , commonly known as Mexico , is a federal constitutional republic in North America. It is bordered on the north by the United States; on the south and west by the Pacific Ocean; on the southeast by Guatemala, Belize, and the Caribbean Sea; and on the east by the Gulf of...
was the first former colony whose independence was recognized by Spain
Spain
Spain , officially the Kingdom of Spain languages]] under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages. In each of these, Spain's official name is as follows:;;;;;;), is a country and member state of the European Union located in southwestern Europe on the Iberian Peninsula...
; the second was Ecuador
Ecuador
Ecuador , officially the Republic of Ecuador is a representative democratic republic in South America, bordered by Colombia on the north, Peru on the east and south, and by the Pacific Ocean to the west. It is one of only two countries in South America, along with Chile, that do not have a border...
on February 16, 1840.
See also
- History of MexicoHistory of MexicoThe history of Mexico, a country located in the southern portion of North America, covers a period of more than two millennia. First populated more than 13,000 years ago, the country produced complex indigenous civilizations before being conquered by the Spanish in the 16th Century.Since the...
- Reconquista (Mexico)Reconquista (Mexico)The term Reconquista was popularized by contemporary Mexican writers Carlos Fuentes and Elena Poniatowska to describe the increased demographic and cultural presence of Mexicans in the Southwestern United States....
- List of wars involving Mexico
- Mexican War of IndependenceMexican War of IndependenceThe Mexican War of Independence was an armed conflict between the people of Mexico and the Spanish colonial authorities which started on 16 September 1810. The movement, which became known as the Mexican War of Independence, was led by Mexican-born Spaniards, Mestizos and Amerindians who sought...
- Spanish American wars of independence