Origins of Anti-Mexican Sentiment
In the article, Raymundo Paredes (1977) analyses the origins of anti-Mexican sentiments, and the argumentation departs from the basic cultural theory of cultural Collison which occurred between the Americans and Mexicans in the aftermath of 1821 Treaty of Cordoba; and broadly during the first half of the nineteenth century after Adams–Onís Treaty 1819 between New Spain and United States. The new-Mexican government in the year 1824 passed General Colonization Law that allowed land entitlement for foreigners. Interestingly, the roots of the conflict is in the European attitudes towards ‘Spaniards’ and ‘Catholicism’ during the times of colorization & expansion. Spanish Black Legend is the term often used to refer the political propaganda content, prejudices, and techniques against the Spanish race in general, which was viewed as the inhumane of all colonials. And the ‘Catholicism’ in Europe received significant criticism from the powers in Western and Northern Europe, which accuses the Church for complacency and corruption, and eventually separating religion from the state. Haden Edwards’s revolt is the first rebellion of settler (Anglo) to gain independence from Mexico, while 1829 degree abolished slavery in Mexico. In order to restrict immigration to Texas from United States, 1830 decree was passed.
Issues Leading to U.S. Mexican War (1846-1848)
The power politics and structure of Mexico, immediately after its dependence in the early 1980’s, was predominated with coalition of Mexican military elite and Catholic Church practices. As Raymundo Paredes suggest that early attitudes of European settlers towards Spaniards and Catholic Church often reflects in the form of prejudices, such as Hispanophobia and Black Legend. The same factors that becomes the basis of prejudices are responsible for the consideration of Mexicans as a threat, which is also the case that political fraction of American society presented to the public with long-term strategic socioeconomic and political objectives. United States in the early nineteenth century’s political objective emphasized on expansion of its territory, ‘Manifest Destiny,’ because the dominant narrative of the colonialism remain mercantilism. Unable to protect its political and economic stake in the region of Texas and South-Western part of United States, the country managed to regain the land with acquisitions through financial means, coupled with military efforts of President James K. Polk. Additionally, battle of the Alamo became the cornerstone of Mexican struggle for independence. Treaties of Velasco, in the aftermath of Battle of San Jacinto, is also known as secret treaty between Texas republic and General Santa Anna.
References
Paredes, R. (1977). The Origins of Anti-Mexican Sentiment in the United States. New Scholar.
