Mexico and the Spanish Cortes, 1810–1822 : : Eight Essays / / ed. by Nettie Lee Benson.

• Superior document: Title is part of eBook package: De Gruyter University of Texas Press Complete eBook-Package Pre-2000
• MitwirkendeR: Anderson, W. Woodrow,; Benson, Nettie Lee,; Berry, Charles R.,; Breedlove, James M.,; Cunniff, Roger L.,; Garza, David T.,; Hann, John H.,; Macaulay, Neill,; Neal, Clarice,
• HerausgeberIn: Benson, Nettie Lee,
• Place / Publishing House: Austin : : University of Texas Press, , [2021]; ©1966
• Year of Publication: 2021
• Language: English
• Series: LLILAS Latin American Monograph Series
• Physical Description: 1 online resource (252 p.)

Few developments in the history of the Spanish colonial system in Mexico have been more carelessly treated or more often misinterpreted than the attempt to establish constitutional government in New Spain under the Spanish monarchy during the 1809–1814 and 1820–1822 periods. Yet the broad outlines of the Mexican constitutional system were laid then, largely through the insistent efforts of the Mexican deputies to the Cortes, the Spanish legislative body. Some of the delegates also grasped this opportunity to inform their countrymen and train them in the effectiveness of parliamentary debate and resolution as a more intelligent road to democratic and representative government. The 70 Mexican deputies (of the 160 elected) who actively participated in the sessions of the Cortes either helped draw up the Constitution of 1812, which initiated provisions for many needed reforms relating to military, religious, economic, educational, judicial, and governmental affairs in Mexico, or contributed to the enabling acts consequent to these provisions. The prime reason for calling the Cortes, however, and especially for inviting the participation of the Mexicans, was to attempt to maintain New Spain’s loyalty to the mother country, an unrealized objective in the long run, although much constructive discussion of this goal was offered by the Mexican delegates. These eight essays trace the establishment and implementation of the Mexican electoral system, both national and municipal, and of reforms in the economic, journalistic, religious, and military systems. They serve as an informative introduction to the revolutionary role the Cortes of Spain played in Mexican history and as a record of the contribution of Mexican delegates to the beginning of liberal reform in their country.

Table of Contents

Frontmatter -- Contents -- Introduction -- 1. The Election of the Mexican Deputies to the Spanish Cortes, 1810-1822 -- 2. Mexican Constitutional Expression in the Cortes of Cádiz -- 3. Mexican Municipal Electoral Reform, 1810-1822 -- 4. Freedom of the Press in New Spain, 1810-1820 -- 5. Effect of the Cortes, 1810-1822, on Church Reform in Spain and Mexico -- 6. The Army of New Spain and the Mexican Delegation to the Spanish Cortes -- 7. The Role of the Mexican Deputies in the Proposal and Enactment of Measures of Economic Reform Applicable to Mexico -- 8. Reform as a Means To Quell Revolution -- Conclusion -- Bibliography -- Index