Mexico's Struggle for Independence: A Political Evolution

After gaining independence, Mexico faced the challenging task of consolidating itself as a nation. The early years of independence were marked by a complex environment with ongoing conflicts between different ideological factions. Three political projects emerged: monarchy, federal republic, and centralist republic.

The Mexican independence movement concluded on September 27, 1821, with the arrival of the Trigarante Army in Mexico City. This marked the formation of the first independent Mexican government, led by a provisional governing junta presided over by Agustín de Iturbide.

Following the provisional junta, the Mexican Congress was established with 120 deputies from various social classes and provinces. Three political currents were present: the Bourbonist faction advocating for a Spanish prince to rule, the Iturbidist faction supporting Agustín de Iturbide as emperor, and the republican faction aiming for a republic.

After being proclaimed Emperor as Agustín I, Iturbide faced a nation in turmoil due to civil war and economic challenges. Despite attempts to stabilize the economy through taxation and loans, discontent grew among the population, leading to conflicts with the Congress.

The dissolution of the Congress by Iturbide sparked a rebellion led by Comandante General Antonio López de Santa Ana, supported by Vicente Guerrero, Guadalupe Victoria, and Nicolás Bravo. Iturbide's attempts to quell the rebellion failed, leading to his abdication on March 4, 1823, and subsequent exile from Mexico.

Following Iturbide's fall, Mexico underwent reorganization, electing deputies to form a Congress tasked with drafting a constitution. The resulting Constitution of 1824 established Mexico as a federal republic, reflecting the majority's preference for a decentralized system.

The Constitution of 1824 in Mexico reaffirmed the country's independence, established a federal organization, and divided power into three branches: the Legislative Power with the Chamber of Deputies and Senators, the Executive Power with the President and Vice President, and the Judicial Power with the Supreme Court of Justice, Tribunals, and Courts.

Under the Constitution of 1824, Guadalupe Victoria became the first President of Mexico, serving a four-year term. During his presidency, efforts were made to promote education through the Lancasterian system, establish the Federal Treasury, and create the National Museum. However, economic challenges and political instability persisted.

In the 1828 presidential elections, liberal candidates Manuel Gómez Pedraza and Vicente Guerrero participated. Despite Gómez Pedraza winning, Guerrero's supporters contested the results, leading to a revolt. Guerrero briefly assumed the presidency before being overthrown by Vice President Anastasio Bustamante.

Anastasio Bustamante rose to power in 1830, advocating for a conservative regime. Despite efforts to address agricultural issues by exempting certain crops from taxes, the lack of a unified national market hindered progress. Bustamante's government faced economic challenges, relying heavily on loans from wealthy individuals.

In response to Bustamante's governance, revolts erupted, with Vicente Guerrero and Juan Álvarez leading rebellions. Guerrero's arrest and execution in 1831 sparked further unrest, culminating in a rebellion by the Veracruz garrison under Antonio López de Santa Anna. After clashes, Bustamante was compelled to return the presidency to Manuel Gómez Pedraza.

Valentín Gómez Farías succeeded Gómez Pedraza and alternated the presidency with Antonio López de Santa Anna multiple times between 1833 and 1835. Gómez Farías, supported by José María Luis Mora and liberal congress, implemented reforms aimed at reducing the power of the Church, including invalidating tithes and transactions without government consent.

Upon returning to power, Santa Anna reversed Gómez Farías' reforms, suspended the federation, and shifted towards a centralist republic. The political turmoil in Mexico persisted, characterized by power struggles, mutinies, and chaos, leading to a volatile and unstable governance environment.