Title: The Causes of Mexican Political Instability Following Independence | Ultius
Headings: The Causes of Mexican Political Instability Following Independence
The Causes of Mexican Political Instability Following Independence
Mexico's political instability after its independence from Spain
Mexican military and the road to economic freedom
Cost of freedom outweigh citizen's needs
Caudillismo regime and creating a lasting economy in Mexico
Attachment to colonization and fight for freedom following independence
Love of the Catholic Church and papal powers declining
Economic stability in Mexico caused by liberal and conservative bickering
Conclusion and summary
Works Cited
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Content: The role of the Church was central in Mexico’s political and social life prior to independence, and the declining influence of the institution created a vast swath of societal issues that exacerbated the political tensions of the time period. Costeloe states that “ the decline in the power and influence of the Roman Catholic Church after independence was an equally important factor in the erosion of the former appearance of cohesion, and the clergy’s attempts to protect their status, wealth, privileges, and influence were to be a source of much of the political turmoil” (10). The deterioration of the clout and consequence of the Church in the years following independence intensified the regional differences of the nation to a significant degree. Without the commonly held fabric of the church, the insular and far-flung nature of Mexico’s widely varied regions became more apparent and threatened to tear apart the new state. The role of the church also became one of the most important dividing issues between liberals and conservatives, and aggravated much of the conflict between them, further fueling the fires of chaos in Mexican political life. Economic stability in Mexico caused by liberal and conservative bickering
The divide between liberals and conservatives was yet another contributing factor to the political instability of the time period, and one that was in large part related to the declining power of the church. As Leslie Bethell states, “the Church took its place as the main issue between liberals and conservatives” (35). Clearly, the declining power of the Church inflamed not only regional differences but political disputes as well. The myriad consequences of the waning leverage of the Church on various aspects of social and political life in post-independence Mexico are strong evidence for this being one of the most important factors in the political instability of the state during this time period. The importance of the Church to Mexican socioeconomic life and the consequences of its lessened power following independence cannot be overstated.