Anastasio Bustamante: Biography, Government and Contributions

Anastasio Bustamante (1780-1853) was president of Mexico in three different periods in the 19th century. Apart from his political activity, he stood out as a soldier in several of the conflicts developed on Mexican soil during that time. At first he fought with the Spanish troops against the rebels who were pursuing independence.

Convinced supporter of Agustín de Iturbide, fought at his side during his Empire. He also participated in several of the armed uprisings that marked political life during those decades. Its first presidential period begins in 1830 after being one of those that adhered to the Plan of Jalapa against Vicente Guerrero.

His mandate was characterized by the use of violence against opponents and against the press, which cost him an armed uprising led by Santa Anna. Finally, he has to give up power. Bustamante had to go into exile for a few years, but returned to fight in the Texas War.

In 1837 he returned to occupy the presidential chair for a couple of years. After a brief return to military life, he resumed his position in 1839. In 1841 he said goodbye to politics when he was overthrown by a new rebellion.

Biography

First years

The future Mexican president was born in Jiquilpan, Michoacán, on July 27, 1780. He was baptized as Trinidad Anastasio de Sales Ruiz Bustamante and Oseguera, and spent his childhood between Tamazula and Zapotlán el Grande.

He came from a family with few resources, but they managed so that Anastasio could have a good education. With 15 years old he joined the Guadalajara seminary and from there he moved to Mexico City with the intention of studying medicine.

However, he did not finish this race, since in 1808 he joined the royalist army.

War of Independence

His first actions in combat took place a couple of years later, when he began to confront the rebel troops that were looking for the independence of the country. Under the command of Félix María Calleja, it stands out in some battles, such as Puente de Calderón.

In 1812, after participating in the Site, he was promoted to captain. His prestige grows and when Morelos flees he is charged with his persecution. Throughout those years, his military career continues to advance with new promotions.

Iguala Plan and entry into politics

When Iturbide proclaims the Plan of Iguala declaring the independence of Mexico, Bustamante joins his supporters first as a military man, obtaining great victories in Celaya and Guanajuato.

Thanks to these merits, Iturbide appointed him head of division and, later, member of the Provisional Board of Government. Other positions he held during this period were field marshal and captain general

The Empire of Iturbide reaches its end in 1823. Bustamante has the ability to maintain his Iturbide ideas and, at the same time, not to lose its influence being dragged by the fall.

Vice Presidency and the Jalapa Plan

His great opportunity came when Congress appointed him vice president in 1828 in the government chaired by Guerrero.

The vice presidency did not seem to be enough for Bustamante, since he was one of the participants in the so-called Plan de Jalapa, which was intended to give a coup d'état. In the beginning, the objective of the Plan was to maintain the federal state.

The attempt of the Spaniards to reconquer Mexico caused the military to be put in charge of the reserve army. It was with these troops that Bustamante stood up against Guerrero. In only one month of hostilities, he and his troops enter Mexico City on December 31, 1929.

Just the day after, on January 1, Anastasio Bustamante takes office as president. The deputies do not agree as they consider that Vicente Guerrero remains the legitimate president and, in case of absence, he should be the vice president.

government

First presidential term

This rejection does not cause problems to the self-appointed president. Bustamante presses Congress to disqualify Guerrero and begins to persecute his opponents.

During his mandate, he sent the Freemason leaders to exile and expelled the ambassador of the United States. On the other hand, it undertakes a war against delinquency, using often brutal methods. Some uncomfortable journalists also suffer their violence. Finally, he is the founder of the secret police.

Among the supports are the Scottish Freemasons, the clergy and the most conservative of society.

Another important aspect in his government was the recentralization to which he subjected the country. The attempt to eliminate several state governments created many more enemies, including many who had signed the Plan de Jalapa, as Santa Anna.

The protests against him, as well as the armed uprisings, are intensifying. Apart from reproaching him for his political actions and the harshness in the repression of his opponents, he is accused of the assassination of former President Guerrero.

Finally, in 1833 he was forced to cede power to Santa Anna when he found that his situation was untenable.

Exile

Because of the accusation of having participated in the murder of Guerrero, Bustamante was exiled from the country under the so-called Ley del Caso.

During his exile he travels to Europe and stays away from Mexico until 1836. The beginning of the Texas War makes his military talent reclaimed again.

Second presidential term

The events that Mexico experienced at that time are going to make him return to exercise the presidency.

The Constitution promulgated in 1824 was repealed and the Seven Laws were approved, which modified the conformation of the country. With these, the nation became a centralist republic, as the Conservative Party intended.

On April 19, 1837 Anastasio Bustamente is proclaimed president in accordance with the new legislation. This had extended to eight years each term and favored the Church and other traditional allies of the conservatives.

Return to military life

The first part of his presidency is not easy. In a short time he has to face the Pastry War, the invasion of Chiapas by the Guatemalans and, finally, the rebellion of José de Urrea in the north.

Putting aside his military vocation, Bustamante requests a 5-month license to lead the troops that face Urrea.

Third presidential term

After finishing the granted license, he retakes the presidency. It was the year 1839 and he still had 6 years of mandate.

The economic aspect was one of the dark points of his administration and one of the main causes of rebellions against him again. In 1841 one explodes in the capital, called Regeneration.

Bustamante returns to put itself in head of the troops to try to finish with the insurgents, but the deputies take advantage to realize a movement that separates it of the power.

Finally, they decide that Santa Anna returns to put itself at the head of the country, leaving definitively the time of Bustamante.

Bustamante's last years

History repeats itself: Bustamante travels to Europe, but in 1845 he returns to Mexico to fight in California. Although he hardly participated in the conflict, the Congress appointed him the following year president of the Chamber.

With the peace signed between the United States and Mexico, Bustamante only occupies low-level positions, so much so that he decides to abandon all public activity.

Death

With 72 years, the 5 of February of 1853, Anastasio Bustamante dies in San Miguel de Allende. His heart was buried in the Cathedral of Mexico City, next to the remains of Iturbide.

Main contributions

During the mandate of Bustamante relations with the old colonial power, Spain, were established.

Also, this character also manages to reconcile with the United States and toured several states in order to restore peace and order.

References

1. Biographies and lives. Anastasio Bustamante. Retrieved from biografiasyvidas.com
2. Presidentes.mx. Anastasio Bustamante. Retrieved from presidentes.mx
3. Carmona Dávila, Doralicia. Anastasio Bustamante. Retrieved from memoriapoliticademexico.org
4. Hutchinson, C. A. Bustamante, Anastacio. Retrieved from tshaonline.org
5. The biography Biography of Anastasio Bustamante (1780-1853). Retrieved from thebiography.us
   
6. Famous latin americans. Anastasio Bustamante (1780-1853), President of Mexico (1930-1932, 1837-1841). Retrieved from famouslatinamericans.com
7. Infoplease Bustamante, Anastasio. Retrieved from infoplease.com
8. Archontology Trinidad Anastasio Francisco de Sales Ruiz de Bustamante y Oseguera. Retrieved from archontology.org