Business, Politics, and Patriotism: Relationships Between Antonio López de Santa Anna and Foreign Nationals in Mexico, 1829–1847

Abstract

Antonio López de Santa Anna is one of the most well-known yet misunderstood figures in North American history. His periods of rule in the mid-nineteenth century helped bring Mexico its independence, lost Mexico nearly half of its territory, and shaped its future conceptions of what a leader is and should be. He is often remembered as a simple caudillo, a strongman who built relationships with foreign actors for personal gain. But how does this perception compare to the evidence of such interactions, and how can Santa Anna’s relationships with foreigners help us better understand Mexican history? This article critically assesses Santa Anna’s key personal and diplomatic relationships with foreigners during the formative 1829–1847 period to improve our understanding of Santa Anna’s relationship to and impact upon Mexico, and explore their influence upon Mexico’s international relations. We then offer a concluding assessment of the lasting implications of these relationships, incorporating how his caudillo leadership style carried a significant influence upon Mexico’s legacy of its nation-building endeavor.