A la Magnanima Nacion Mexicana

Collection

Identifier: MSS-4292

Scope and Contents

One Mexican political broadsheet discussing events associated with the Pastry War that took place from 1838-1839. The document reflects a mildly insurgent attitude toward the newly appointed Sonorese governor, General Jose Urrea, and expresses Sonora's increasing hesitancy to follow the imperialist tendencies of the federal government.

Dates

1838

Conditions Governing Access

Collection is open for research. Researchers must register and agree to copyright and privacy laws before using this collection. Manuscript collections and archival records may contain materials with sensitive or confidential information that is protected under federal or state right to privacy laws and regulations. Due to the nature of certain archival formats, including digital and audio-visual materials, access to certain materials may require additional advance notice.

Conditions Governing Use

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Biographical / Historical

The Pastry War, also known as the First French Intervention in Mexico, took place from November 1838 until March 1839 between Mexico and France. This short-lived war occurred during the Centralist Mexican Republic era, a period of political unrest with various groups competing for control of the country or to retain control of their own territory. This instability led to several instances of property damage and looting. A French baker, Monsieur Remontel, claimed that in 1828, Mexican officers looted his bakery in Tacubaya, then a small town outside of Mexico City. While his shop was appraised at 1,000 pesos, Remontel appealed to the Mexican government for 60,000 pesos in damages, an amount the Mexican government refused to pay. Remontel then took his case to the French government, which demanded 600,000 pesos from the Mexican government to cover damages from multiple claims of French nationals. The Mexican government refused to pay, and the French government retaliated by sending a fleet of French ships to blockade Mexican ports in April 1838. The blockade continued as diplomatic talks between the two sides failed to come to an agreement. In November of 1838, French forces fired on the fort in San Jaun de Ulua. In response, the Mexican government issued a declaration of war. France proceeded to successfully invade the city of Veracruz, an action that brought Antonio López de Santa Anna out of retirement. It is during this fight that Santa Anna lost his leg. With the ongoing blockade and capture of Veracruz draining the Mexican economy, Mexican officials began negotiations with the French, and the two countries reached an agreement in March 1839. Mexico agreed to pay the 600,000 pesos, and France agreed to withdraw its ships. While the war was short-lived, it had a lasting impact on the economy and the fragile political situation in Mexico.

Extent

0.1 Linear Feet

Language of Materials

Spanish; Castilian

Additional Description

Overview

One Mexican political broadsheet discussing events associated with the Pastry War that took place from 1838-1839.

Immediate Source of Acquisition

The University of Alabama Libraries acquired A la Magnanima Nacion Mexicana in 2020.

Related Materials

Santa Fe and Taos Trade Protection Decree from Ministry of War and Navy of the Central Mexican Republic, The University of Alabama Libraries Special Collections, MSS 4293