Challenge: MexiCans not a MexiCan'ts

[raharris1973]

To borrow from Johnny Depp and Robert Rodriguez-

Here's the challenge, from a PoD no earlier than 1800, have Mexico lose as little territory as possible to the US by 1880. Maximum points for latest PoDs and maximum retention of territory.

[Tetsu]

Iturbide establishes a stable monarchy with support from various European powers. A good way to do this is have him not sign an agreement that said fleeing Spanish loyalists would be paid in hard currency for the estates they left behind- this was a major economic disaster and Mexico was born into bankruptcy. It's reported that this single agreement drained so much wealth out of Mexico that even some golden church bells had to melted down to pay the very wealthy Spanish.

If this is Iturbide never signs this, he will probably have much greater support, and his dynasty could easily survive; and his country will be a LOT better off. The British might be looking for a strong ally to box in the United States, and the Mexicans could fill this role. They might not lose any territory to the USA before 1900.

[Rabbit Scribe]

Originally Posted by tetsu-katana

Iturbide establishes a stable monarchy with support from various European powers. A good way to do this is have him not sign an agreement that said fleeing Spanish loyalists would be paid in hard currency for the estates they left behind- this was a major economic disaster and Mexico was born into bankruptcy. It's reported that this single agreement drained so much wealth out of Mexico that even some golden church bells had to melted down to pay the very wealthy Spanish.

If this is Iturbide never signs this, he will probably have much greater support, and his dynasty could easily survive; and his country will be a LOT better off. The British might be looking for a strong ally to box in the United States, and the Mexicans could fill this role. They might not lose any territory to the USA before 1900.

That was easy- very good.

[David S Poepoe]

The Jesuits are never expelled from Spain or its empire, but thats definately before 1800.

No Santa Ana. I think its more his fault that Texas sought independence, tho the fact that the Texians permitted slavery and Mexico was anti-slavery doesn't bode well either.

I doubt Itburbide will make a difference what is needed are changes in Spanish governance and something that will draw immigration to Mexico rather than the US. If we look at Mexico (New Spain) at its further extent we can include Lousiana. There are fundamental differences in Spanish colonization versus English colonization that has to be looked at also.

[drewmc2001]

Moses Austin is rebuffed when he goes to Mexico City to get the Austin Colony Charter (He died before it could be fulfilled, his son Stephen F Austin actually brough the first significant Anglo-American Settlement into Texas in 1821).

This American interest in Texas alarms Mexican govt officials into adopting a more domestic friendly settlement policy in the north of the country, and more native Mexicans move north of the Red River.
Also, just to seal the fate, Gold is discovered in California in 1825-1830, while Anglo-American settlement in the region was negligable, causing a native Mexican gold rush into the region.

Remember that Mexico had between 5 to 7 million inhabitants during the first half of the 19th century. You've just gotta get a more significant chunk to occupy the northern reaches of Mexico.

One of the reasons why the US was able to handily seize all the northern lands of Mexico is that they were sparsely populated by the Mexicans. Keep in mind that a census in 1835-6 that the US government did in Texas (they were studying annexation issues in response to the Texas Revolution) showed 3500 Tejanos 10,000 Indians and 35000-40000 Anglo-Americans... so the Mexican government really must convince its populace to relocate for free land or something that would appeal to Jose Siete-pack Mexican citizen, and they must do it in a big way.

[Nicksplace27]

Have the US disband after the Election of 1800 into New England, the United States, and the Carolina Confederation. Mexico wins most of central America and Louisiana. THEYRE HUGE!

[Straha]

Mexico uber alles indeed. With the resources of all THAT area I think even the MEXICAN government would do something productive with it.....

[drewmc2001]

Originally Posted by Nicksplace27

Have the US disband after the Election of 1800 into New England, the United States, and the Carolina Confederation. Mexico wins most of central America and Louisiana. THEYRE HUGE!

So we have another world war ala the "Seven Years War" aka French and Indian War, but instead of the Europeans fighting over Cananda and the future US, they're taking and splitting up the spoils of Mexico.

I think the reasons that Mexico held its independence was 1) Europe didn't perceive much there worth plundering that Spain hadn't already taken 2) They just weren't quite sure how serious the US was about their silly Monroe Doctrine. If there's no Monroe Doctrine, and Mexico looks like it might be viable for exploitation, don't count the Europeans out.

[Max Sinister]

Yes, get rid of Santa Ana. He always seemed quite incompetent to me (he even got an entry in the book about Peter's principle).