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Few developments in the history of the Spanish colonial system in Mexico have been more carelessly treated or more often misinterpreted than the attempt to establish constitutional government in New Spain under the Spanish monarchy during the 1809-1814 and 1820-1822 periods. Yet the broad outlines of the Mexican constitutional system were laid then, largely through the insistent efforts of the Mexican deputies to the Cortes, the Spanish legislative body. Some of the delegates also grasped this opportunity to inform their countrymen and train them in the effectiveness of parliamentary debate and resolution as a more intelligent road to democratic and representative government.
The 70 Mexican deputies (of the 160 elected) who actively participated in the sessions of the Cortes either helped draw up the Constitution of 1812, which initiated provisions for many needed reforms relating to military, religious, economic, educational, judicial, and governmental affairs in Mexico, or contributed to the enabling acts consequent to these provisions. The prime reason for calling the Cortes, however, and especially for inviting the participation of the Mexicans, was to attempt to maintain New Spain's loyalty to the mother country, an unrealized objective in the long run, although much constructive discussion of this goal was offered by the Mexican delegates.
These eight essays trace the establishment and implementation of the Mexican electoral system, both national and municipal, and of reforms in the economic, journalistic, religious, and military systems. They serve as an informative introduction to the revolutionary role the Cortes of Spain played in Mexican history and as a record of the contribution of Mexican delegates to the beginning of liberal reform in their country.
List of contents
- Introduction, by Nettie Lee Benson
- 1. The Election of the Mexican Deputies to the Spanish Cortes, 1810–1822, by Charles R. Berry
- 2. Mexican Constitutional Expression in the Cortes of Cádiz, by David T. Garza
- 3. Mexican Municipal Electoral Reform, 1810–1822, by Roger L. Cunniff
- 4. Freedom of the Press in New Spain, 1810–1820, by Clarice Neal
- 5. Effect of the Cortes, 1810–1822, on Church Reform in Spain and Mexico, by James M. Breedlove
- 6. The Army of New Spain and the Mexican Delegation to the Spanish Cortes, by Neill Macaulay
- 7. The Role of the Mexican Deputies in the Proposal and Enactment of Measures of Economic Reform Applicable to Mexico, by John H. Hann
- 8. Reform as a Means To Quell Revolution, by W. Woodrow Anderson
- Conclusion, by Nettie Lee Benson
- Bibliography
- Index
About the author
An eminent scholar, Nettie Lee Benson (1905-1993) was Professor of Latin American Studies at the University of Texas at Austin. Best known for her work as librarian of the Latin American collection of the University of Texas Library, she was the recipient of many honors, including the Aguila Azteca of La Orden Azteca del Aguila Azteca, the highest honor Mexico bestows on foreigners.
