THE HISTORY TEXTBOOK PROJECT: Mexico

Mexican history books offer Mexican various views on relations with the US, but also a variety of conflicting versions of Mexican history. This Saturday, Mexican 15, Mexico will celebrate its independence day, when Hidalgo shouted his famous independence cry. Some years ago I was invited to the dinner the President of Mexico gives on September 15 in the presidential palace overlooking the city's main square. After dinner, at midnight, the President went onto the balcony, rang a bell, and shouted three times "Viva Mexico!". The crowd be, low roared.

There are two things wrong with this. Mexico celebrates September 15, but it was actually early on September 16 that Hidalgo gave his famous "shout", More important, it was not a declaration of independence. What Hidalgo actually shouted was "Long live Fernando VII and the Virgin of Guadalupe ! Down with the bad government!" ("Abajo el mal gobierno!". To make it sound anti-Spanish, some sources have changed this to "Abajo los gachupines!-- Down with the Spaniards!). Napoleon had taken over Spain and placed his brother Joseph on the throne. The French (gabachos) were detested , and after the Peninsula War, Ferdinand was placed on the throne. He proved to be a great disappointment, but when Hidalgo delivered his cry, Ferdinand was the hope of the Spanish speaking world, with the exception of a small number of supporters of Joseph. Hidalgo was captured as he fled toward Texas, condemned by the Inquisition and shot.

The problem is that Mexico does not have a liberator like Bolivar or San Martín. Mexico got its independence in an odd way. José María Morelos called a convention to discuss the future of Mexico. He too was captured and shot. In 1820 there was a revolt in Spain against Ferdinand, who was compelled to accept the liberal constitution of 1812. Conservative forces in Mexico opposed the constitution, and their hero Iturbide proclaimed Mexican independence. The Viceroy resigned and Mexican independence was recognized in 1821. Iturbide hoped to head the new nation and proclaimed himself Agustin I, Emperor of Mexico, but he was quickly forced to abdicate. Guadalupe Victoria became the first president of Mexico under the constitution of 1824.

He was not very successful and Mexicans tend to forget him. Yet he was the first president of Mexico, and as such his is the only portrait to adorn the office of the President of Mexico. This is in sober contrast with the dazzling display in the great square outside of electric signs depicting Hiadlgo, Morelos and La Corregidora, a woman involved in a plot in Queretaro who is viewed as a forerunner of the independence movement.

The popular history of every country contains myths which are part of the national heritage. In Mexico, the most notable one is the story of the Virgin of Guadalupe. There is an almost insoluble battle between popular history and true history.

Ronald Hilton - 9/11/01