Espadas y Mariposas: The Survival of (most of) New Spain {TL}

[Askelion]

First, of all, a brief intro.

As a student of Spanish and Latin-American history, I have noticed several things in the region of OTL Mexico; primarily vested in missed opportunities. Those opportunities, in my opinion, were often caused by very narrow escapes of cancerous generals. So, in this TL, I've nipped the issue in the bud: Don Iturbide.

Iturbide was a Criollo(mixed White born in Mexico) who served as an outstanding (if brutal and fanatically loyal) colonel in the New Spanish Army. When he was passed over for a promotion for Capitan General, he felt he had been dishonore, and joined the rebels. Iturbide became the first Emperor of Mexico after leading his forces to victory over the unitil-then-easily-winning Viceroyal forces.

Here's my take on what would follow, had New Spain never fallen to one man's scorn.

Thanks, and I hope that you'll enjoy!
~Ash

[Askelion]

Espadas y Mariposas

· December 6, 1820: Agustín de Iturbide, formerly a Colonel in the New Spanish Army, is promoted to the rank ofCapitán General del Ejército (Supreme Commander of the Army) in recognition of his outstanding military service against insurgents in Mexico.
· December 12, 1820: Don Agustín, a Criollo, declares to the populace that all insurgents who lay down their arms and join the New Spanish cause will be pardoned for their actions against the crown. This causes a change in heart for many Criollos, who see the appointment of Iturbide as a harbinger for their future involvement in government.
· December 16, 1820: Don Agustín intercepts the rebel forces of Vicente Guerrero, and in a display of military elegance, routs the force into the Mexican desert.
· December 30, 1820: With the loyalties of Criollos gravitating towards the Viceroyal government, the rebellion begins to rapidly radicalize, drawing recruits primarily from Mechica populations. The rebels begin to terrorize Criollo and Peninsulare populations throughout Mexico, as well as those Mestizos and Amerindians who support the New Spanish.
· February 5, 1821: As rebel forces continue to kill white soldiers and civilians alike, moderates in the rebel camp begin to doubt their leaders. Weathered and war-weary, the moderates approach Capitán Iturbide and Viceroy Juan Ruiz de Apodaca for peace talks.
· February 30, 1821: The peace talks between New Spain and the moderates, overseen by the Spanish King Ferdinand VII, results in a large power shift in the region, as the moderates and loyalists are united under Iturbide’s “Writ of Three Guaruntees”. The three guarantees promised to the united New Spanish cause are announced as follows:
o The Catholic Church, and tradition in the Country, will remain central to the state of New Spain.
o The newly created government position of Presidente del Gobierno will be decided by popular election, and will hold power of veto over the Viceroy, although no official may contradict the will of the monarch of Spain.
o New Spain will act independently of Spain, unless that independence contradicts the policies of Spain herself.
· May 3, 1821: The conflict in New Spain continues as rebel forces under Mestizo leader Guadalupe Victoria unite with those of Guerrero against New Spain.
· August 10, 1821: After over ten years of conflict, the Mexican Rebels meet with New Spanish leaders in order to discuss a resolution to the issue. The talks are again led by King Ferdinand.
· August 15, 1821: King Ferdinand and Viceroy Ruiz, both desperate to reestablish the vital trade between America and Iberia, settle with the Mexican rebels to the Treaty of Córdoba, in which the King introduced the process of advancement:
o Any Amerindian or Mestizo may become a full citizen of New Spain after serving 20 years or until death in government service. Once ‘citizenship’ is gained, a person and their descendants may vote in the elections for Presidente.
o The New Class structure is as follows:
§ La Nobleza: Peninsulares and Criollos, must serve in the government for ten years in order to claim their position. Can be appointed (or elected in the absence of a King in Spain) Viceroy. Can vote to elect the Viceroy in the absence of a King in Spain.
§ Los Ciudadanos: Anyone of lower birth who has served 20 years of government service. (If their parent served 20 years, they need only serve 10). Vote for the Presidente.
· August 18, 1821: Several rebel leaders reveal that Iturbide had contacted them in the past (before his reinstatement and promotion in late 1820), and present evidence to the Viceroy that Iturbide committed several crimes against the people of New Spain. This, combined with his sway over the military, combine to convince Ruiz that Iturbide is a threat to his rule.
· August 30, 1821: The New Spanish Secret Police abduct Iturbide from his home in Vera Cruz and execute him for trumped up charges of blasphemy. The news of his fabricated sexual deviancy and heresy are released to the news outlets of New Spain, and support for the late General dissipates.
· October 5, 1821: The first election for Presidente is held. Antonio López de Santa Anna, a hero of the war against the Mexican rebels, is elected Presidente and appointed Supreme Commander by Viceroy Ruiz.
· January 16, 1822: After less than a year in office, Santa Anna conspires with a rebel faction to overthrow the royalist government. The people of New Spain, tired of war and secure in the rights given to them by the government of the Viceroy, do not support him.
· January 26, 1822: After ten days of conflict, the abortive coup attempt ends in a total failure for Santa Anna.
· January 30, 1822: Santa Anna is executed after being judged guilty by the Judicial Cortes. King Ferdinand, along with the Cortes in Mexico City and Madrid, declare that the office of Presidente will no longer be available to officers in the military.
· March 1, 1822: The United States and New Spain begin negotiations to join in a trade agreement, and New Spain sells the US Florida as a sign of good faith.
· March 2, 1822-June 10, 1840: After 38 years of development under two more Viceroys and four more Presidentes, New Spain has been largely reformed under Iturbide’s three guarantee system, and is a stable and prospering country. It’s wealth has rejuvenated Spain via trade, and the European state begins to reassert itself on the regional stage under Queen Isabella II. Spain, however, faces a seething movement to liberalize the empire.
· June 11, 1840: The United States, after years of peace with New Spain, is forced into conflict after a minor border incident results in a large skirmish between New Spanish and American troops. The US raids and pirates those ships attempting to trade with New Spain, including many British Ships. When Britain orders the US to cease their privateering, the US refuses, citing impressment during the Napoleonic Wars. Britain begins to see issue in the growing strength of the US.
· June 12, 1840-August 3, 1840: The US and New Spain enter into an intense series of diplomatic sessions, with neither side willing to consolidate with the other. New Spain seeks a diplomatic resolution, but the US is intent on expansion and regional hegemony. Tension increases dramatically as both factions rapidly develop their militaries
·August 8, 1840: Costa Rica, a state of New Spain, and Nueva Grenada successfully revolt and unite as the State of Gran Colombia. New Spain refuses to send military force to the south, concerned over its border to the north. The Jinetes Reales, a paramilitary secret police unit, are sent instead to ensure the integrity of New Spain's southern provinces.

[Dan1988]

Hmm, interesting. Consider this thread subscribed.

[jycee]

Definitely interested, I will follow. Though you should take into account that Spain at this time is going through a lot. It's not only New Spain who is rebelling but all of Latin America. Keeping New Spain would definitely be a top priority. But for how long?
Other than that I'm exited to see where you take this.

--------------------------------
If you are interested

You might want to check out my Not So Far From God TL, where I have an earlier POD which also results in Mexico/New Spain taking several opportunities not taking in OTL (Although alot of Mexico's success in my TL are also due to outside influences ei. Spain and the US taking some bad ones).

[Condottiero]

Some comments:

* It is either Don Agustín or Señor Iturbide, Don Iturbide it is some sort of Mafia film hibrid,

* Why would they sell one productive island as Puerto Rico, I think they would cede or sell Florida instead as it had an english speaking majority and control tenuous,

* You overestimate the role of Inquisition.

[Askelion]

Originally Posted by Condottiero

Some comments:

* It is either Don Agustín or Señor Iturbide, Don Iturbide it is some sort of Mafia film hibrid,

* Why would they sell one productive island as Puerto Rico, I think they would cede or sell Florida instead as it had an english speaking majority and control tenuous,

* You overestimate the role of Inquisition.

*Lo siento amigo, Español es mi idioma segundo.

*I honestly forgot about Florida whilst writing this and sold Puerto Rico as replacement. I didn't want New Spain to have it anyway! Thanks for reminding me!

*That is VERY good to know.

En conclusíon;
Gracias mi hermano, y via con Dios!
Tu asistencía es utíl y mucho apreciado.

[Rakhasa]

[QUOTE=Askelion;2976907]

Espadas y Mariposas

§ Las Nobelezas: Peninsulares and Criollos, must serve in the government for ten years in order to claim their position. Can be appointed (or elected in the absence of a King in Spain) Viceroy. Can vote to elect the Viceroy in the absence of a King in Spain.

I think it is a typo, but since you said spanish is your second language, let's er on the side of caution: The word is spelled "Nobleza" (from "noble"), and, unlike Ciudadano, than refers to a single person, is a singular noum than refers to a group -the expresion should be "La Nobleza", singular; "las noblezas" would refer to more than one ruling classes -say, you are talking about the New Spain class and a similar group created in New Granada.

[MNP]

[QUOTE=Rakhasa;2977923]

Originally Posted by Askelion

Espadas y Mariposas

§ Las Nobelezas: Peninsulares and Criollos, must serve in the government for ten years in order to claim their position. Can be appointed (or elected in the absence of a King in Spain) Viceroy. Can vote to elect the Viceroy in the absence of a King in Spain.

I think it is a typo, but since you said spanish is your second language, let's er on the side of caution: The word is spelled "Nobleza" (from "noble"), and, unlike Ciudadano, than refers to a single person, is a singular noum than refers to a group -the expresion should be "La Nobleza", singular; "las noblezas" would refer to more than one ruling classes -say, you are talking about the New Spain class and a similar group created in New Granada.

Shorter: Nobleza - Nobility, Noblezas - Nobilities

[Leistungsfähiger Amerikan]

Hmm I wonder who'd win a war in this scenario, the USA or New Spain. If New Spain has the support of Spain itself, then I think it would probably go to Spain, being able to control the oceans and all.

[jycee]

Originally Posted by Leistungsfähiger Amerikan

Hmm I wonder who'd win a war in this scenario, the USA or New Spain. If New Spain has the support of Spain itself, then I think it would probably go to Spain, being able to control the oceans and all.

It would be a much more evenly matched fight than in OTL. However the fact will remain that the US will be controlling Texas by land no matter how much control Spain has of the Gulf of Mexico. The population of Texas and Northern California will be American in its majority by mid century their allegiance is probably with the US.
New Spain would have a fleet, it needs one to protect its ships between Veracruz and Havanna. But just by having New Orleans the US has a strong presence in the Gulf as well (and so does Britain even without ports but thats another matter). It be a rather interesting war. If it is not butterflied away. The US might be able to take and blockade Veracruz but Havana would remain a nuisance and a threat to New Orleans, Mobile and other Gulf ports. On the northern theater the US might not make it as far as it did in OTL it will still take Texas but not Saltillo nor Monterey in California San Diego and the other Monterey might survive but Yerba Buena (San Fran) and Sonoma are likely still taken. The war might result in the 37th parallel compromise.

But there is a chance that there wont be a war since it seems the US and Spain have settled their differences so far.

[Askelion]

[QUOTE=Rakhasa;2977923]

Originally Posted by Askelion

Espadas y Mariposas

§ Las Nobelezas: Peninsulares and Criollos, must serve in the government for ten years in order to claim their position. Can be appointed (or elected in the absence of a King in Spain) Viceroy. Can vote to elect the Viceroy in the absence of a King in Spain.

I think it is a typo, but since you said spanish is your second language, let's er on the side of caution: The word is spelled "Nobleza" (from "noble"), and, unlike Ciudadano, than refers to a single person, is a singular noum than refers to a group -the expresion should be "La Nobleza", singular; "las noblezas" would refer to more than one ruling classes -say, you are talking about the New Spain class and a similar group created in New Granada.

Gracias, hermano.
I hope that you will continue to assist me with Spainish in the future
Thanks,everyone, for your assistance and support.

And the war get very interesting, very soon.

[Askelion]

· September 8, 1840: The United States, pressured by a growing population and a need for natural resources, makes the first move against Spain during the (relatively) cool month of September. At first, the US makes rapid gains, but find themselves bogged down in California and Texas by both the New Spanish Cavalry and Native tribes. The US forces, largely composed of infantry, find movement and occupation difficult.
· September 15, 1840: New Spain reaches out to Great Britain and peninsular Spain for assistance against the United States, which is able to field more soldiers. Great Britain, Spain, and New Spain form the Pact of September and the two European states deploy expeditionary forces and cease trade.
· October 16, 1840: As New Spain’s European allies begin to arrive on the US east coasts of carolina and Florida, the September Pact’s Naval forces (based at Havana and Vera Cruz) forge a blockade of US trade.
· November 2, 1840: British and Spanish forces begin to make minor inroads in Florida and Louisiana, but their greatest contribution is their involvement in the diversion of American troops from the Mexican front.
· November 20, 1840: British and Spanish troops manage to seize New Orleans after a lengthy siege. US forces are forced to attempt to retake the Mississippi River from the invaders.
· December 3, 1840: New Spain launches a major offensive composed primarily of cavalry and artillery forces. The so-called Battle of the Desert begins.
· December 4, 1840-January 12, 1841: The Battle of the Desert rages on continually, and ends with the US forces being repulsed back across the Rio Grande at a great cost to Spanish manpower. Anglo-Spanish forces continue their assault through Carolina, and besiege Richmond successfully. The United States, sensing the growing momentum against their cause, surrender to the Pact of September.
· January 31, 1841: The ‘September War’ as it is known (also later known as the First Spanish-American War) ends with the signing of the Treaty of Madrid. The major concessions are as follows:
o The US cedes Florida and part of Louisiana to Great Britain to be governed as the Province of New Orleans.
o The US is to pay large reparations to Spain and New Spain.
o The US is to no longer expand its contiguous border.
· March 16, 1841: New Spain, having found its infantry forces to be sub-par, expands its line infantry and skirmishing forces. Unfortunately for the Spanish Commonwealth and Empire, several independence movements in South America had erupted during the September War, and come to fruition at this time. The Republics of Colombia, Argentina, Chile, and Gran Peru successfully triumph against the royalists.
· June 5, 1842: A small revolt arises in Philippines, and New Spain sends an expeditionary force to silence it.
· June 6, 1842-September 12, 1846: New Spanish envoys manage to incite a Catholic uprising against the Tokugawa Shogunate under the leadership of Omura Yukinaga. The Catholic Daimyo soon receives military support from the New Spanish Phillippines, and a reluctant and ashamed Shogun agrees to allow the formation of the new Protectorate under the administration of Omura as Viceroy. The Dominion of Nagasaki is steadily fortified over the years.
· September 30, 1846-January 8, 1847: Spanish forces stationed in Nagasaki begin to establish trading outposts in China and Indochina of increased size and importance. The wealth entering the Spanish Empire swells as their presence increases.

[Ostost]

Small nitpick with your map, Chille wouden't be that far North yet, seeing how the war of the Pacific hasn't happend and they haven't taken Bolivia's littoral provinces. Other than that, good work!

[Paul MacQ]

One word Canada nice to know what happened in Caribbean, But events up North would have so much impact. I gather then US somehow lost big time if Louisiana is taken.

This has massive impact with Britain Holding it and reaching right into the Heart of the US.

Always thought a Britain holding Louisiana in 1812 would have effected US Mexico relations and less likely to have US white settlers in Texas. But this is not 1812 and Louisiana would have that much stronger US identity. And cause massive US enmity like a open would between US and UK for decades. Mind you has the effect of keeping US hands off Mexico/New Spain certainly.

[Niko Malaka]

Originally Posted by Askelion

Espadas y Mariposas

· December 6, 1820: Agustín de Iturbide, formerly a Colonel in the.....

It's an intesresting TL, I love the subject and at some it's point feasible, but I'd like to make some sugestions.

-You are forgeting the second "assault" of the spanish liberal revolution. In 1820 general Riego reinstaured the Constitution of 1812. That should have repercussions in Mexico as it had in OTL. Under the Constituion everyone born in a spanish municipio (all in peninsular, asiatic and american territories) was citizen, with some reserves to those of "african ascent". Since IOTL the spanish liberal contitution inspired a lot the new mexican constitution (better said, there was several common thinkers behind both constitutions), I think that it could inspire also TTL new order, so the citizenship rules that you propose could change.

-That also means that between 1820 and 1823 (intervention of the Holy Alliance in Spain) the spanish sovereignty was in the Cortes, not in the king. The Cortes are who must accept or refuse any agreement with New Spain, not Ferdinand VII. It would be interesting in TTL what happens with that Holy Alliance intervention, maybe it's butterflied.

-Maybe Apodaca is not the better man to make agreements with the new-spainiards in that lines. I think that the better option is O'Donojú, who was also the man supported by the representatives of New Spain in the spanish Cortes. He was sent to Mexico with plenipotenciary powers. He accepted the Plan de Iguala IOTL, so he should make the same or some similar ITTL. The more easy butterfly is keep him alive more time, so perhaps Flórez Estrada and cía can't dinamite the treaty in Madrid.

-I'm not so sure if "secret polices" were usual in the 1820's. But of course there are other means to kill someone as if it were an accident. Accusing Iturbide of blasphemy and sexual deviance, you only need the correct mob in the correct place

-I'm wonderig what is doing and saying Servando Teresa de Mier in TTL.

Cheers

[Askelion]

Originally Posted by Niko Malaka

It's an intesresting TL, I love the subject and at some it's point feasible, but I'd like to make some sugestions.

-You are forgeting the second "assault" of the spanish liberal revolution. In 1820 general Riego reinstaured the Constitution of 1812. That should have repercussions in Mexico as it had in OTL. Under the Constituion everyone born in a spanish municipio (all in peninsular, asiatic and american territories) was citizen, with some reserves to those of "african ascent". Since IOTL the spanish liberal contitution inspired a lot the new mexican constitution (better said, there was several common thinkers behind both constitutions), I think that it could inspire also TTL new order, so the citizenship rules that you propose could change.

-That also means that between 1820 and 1823 (intervention of the Holy Alliance in Spain) the spanish sovereignty was in the Cortes, not in the king. The Cortes are who must accept or refuse any agreement with New Spain, not Ferdinand VII. It would be interesting in TTL what happens with that Holy Alliance intervention, maybe it's butterflied.

-Maybe Apodaca is not the better man to make agreements with the new-spainiards in that lines. I think that the better option is O'Donojú, who was also the man supported by the representatives of New Spain in the spanish Cortes. He was sent to Mexico with plenipotenciary powers. He accepted the Plan de Iguala IOTL, so he should make the same or some similar ITTL. The more easy butterfly is keep him alive more time, so perhaps Flórez Estrada and cía can't dinamite the treaty in Madrid.

-I'm not so sure if "secret polices" were usual in the 1820's. But of course there are other means to kill someone as if it were an accident. Accusing Iturbide of blasphemy and sexual deviance, you only need the correct mob in the correct place

-I'm wonderig what is doing and saying Servando Teresa de Mier in TTL.

Cheers

Gracias my Hermano Iberico!
Once again, my knowledge is humbled by those who live in the subject's shadow. Thanks for the valuable info, I will be sure to tinker with the earlier parts of the timeline in order to account for these revelations.

Thanks again, both to Niko and to everyone else who is enjoying this timeline. Expect an update tomorrow