Santa Anna and the U.S.-Mexico War

Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna was a Mexican military and political leader who served as president of Mexico on numerous occasions, known for his involvement in the Mexican Wars of Independence and the Mexican-American War.

Santa Anna's early life was marked by involvement in the Mexican War of Independence, where he switched sides from supporting the Spanish Crown to joining the insurgent forces under Agustin de Iturbide.

Santa Anna played a key part in the Plan de Casa Mata, an uprising against the Mexican Empire, which led to the overthrow of Agustin de Iturbide.

Santa Anna is often remembered for his role in Mexican history, specifically for the loss of significant territories, including Texas, to the United States in the Mexican-American War.

Santa Anna's leadership during the Mexican-American War was marked by strategic blunders and defeats, ultimately resulting in Mexico's surrender and the loss of vast territories.

Santa Anna's military victories against Spanish forces and internal rebellions contributed to his rise in prominence, making him a popular figure. This popularity led liberals to urge him to run for president in 1833.

Despite winning the presidential election in 1833, Santa Anna preferred to return to his estate 'Hacienda Manga de Clavo,' demonstrating a limited interest in political power.

Santa Anna's military leadership was regarded as beneficial to national sovereignty due to its efforts in protecting the nation's independence from both foreign and domestic threats.

Gomez Farfas, the vice president and a liberal reformer, implemented changes aimed at reforming the military and the church, indicating a shift towards a more liberal regime.

A series of reforms aimed at reducing the influence of the army and the Catholic Church in Mexican society. These reforms included limitations on clerical power, secularization of education, and abolishment of the tithe.

The reforms prompted a backlash from conservative groups, who viewed them as threats to their power and privileges. These groups, including the clergy, the army, and other conservative elements, rallied under the banner of "Religion and Patriotism" to overthrow the government.

A decisive battle in the rebellion against the Liberal Reforms, where Santa Anna, aided by a cholera epidemic, defeated the insurgents. This victory solidified his position as a leader and allowed him to consolidate power.

A move by Santa Anna to regain control and reverse the Liberal Reforms. He used his popularity and conservative support to close down Congress and rescind the reform package, demonstrating his commitment to a more traditional order.

After the Liberal Reforms, Santa Anna, convinced that only he could contain the influence of conservatives, returned to power, shut down Congress, and dismantled the reform package, ultimately leading to the reversal of progressive measures.