 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
||||||||
             |
||||||||
|
||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||||
|
||||||||
|
||||||||
The dictionary defines the word Caudillo as "a politician backed by a military force" and a study of Mexican history reveals a country that from its very beginning until well into the 20th Century was controlled by men whose had seized power by force rather than through the electoral process. Another definition of Caudillo is "strongman" and in this guise, they have spread from the political to the economic and even into the family structure of modern Mexico. However, it is a mistake to regard all those who in the past, fit the definition of Caudillo, as all-powerful rulers. Most controlled only fragments of the country. They were challenged by Governors of Mexican States, Presidentes (mayors) of large cities and other "strongmen" who were oft-times merely bandits. Each had his own priorities and paid little heed to edicts of the Federal government. They sought personal wealth, practiced nepotism and were corrupt. Their legacy still lingers.
Although Mexicans recognize September 16, 1810, the date on which Father Miguel Hidalgo proclaimed the Grito of Dolores as the start of the drive for freedom from Spain, the first efforts of the rebels focused on attempting to change a system that let those of Spanish blood, born in Spain, hold almost all high positions in both the Government and Church. It was the Crioles, Spaniards born in the New World, who were the first insurgents. It is doubtful that they envisioned a democratic Mexican Republic.
When he entered Guadalajara, Father Hidalgo claimed the title of "Serene Highness," leading to a plausible theory that had he not been defeated, he would have been a Caudillo.
Read the complete article . . .To talk to me - My E-mail
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||||
|
||||||||
|
For MexConnect.Com LLC & Conexión México S.A. de C.V. © Mexico Connect 1996-2007 |
||||||||
= Subscribers only
Miguel de Allende
