Cantón de Nuevo México

Quick Facts: Who was Cantón de Nuevo México?

Subject:

Cantón de Nuevo México

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A provisional government established during the 1837 Pueblo-Hispano Rebellion in New Mexico.

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2Day Chrono-Wiki & Primary Historical Archives

Origins & Early Life

The Cantón de Nuevo México, also known as the Junta Popular, was a New Mexican state formed during the 1837 Pueblo-Hispano Río Arriba Rebellion against the Centralist Republic of Mexico's territory of Santa Fe de Nuevo México. New Mexicans opposed to the Siete Leyes assassinated Governor Albino Pérez and took over the state, electing José María González as the governor of the Cantón. The Cantón was de facto independent, but the rebels were divided over whether to declare de jure independence from Mexico. The rebellion was successful until Governor González floated a plan to invite foreigners to join the rebellion and annex New Mexico to the United States in return for their support. This proposal was unpopular with his fellow rebels and weakened his support internally.

Pivotal Works & Achievements

Pablo Montoya overthrew González in early September and became the new governor, moving the capital to Taos Pueblo. After former governor Manuel Armijo recaptured Santa Fe, Montoya betrayed González and his associates to the Centralists in return for amnesty for his faction. González and Montoya were both Taos Pueblo people and led the most ethnically inclusive government in the history of New Mexico, which was governed as a federation of Pueblos and towns. They became the only Pueblo rulers in the history of New Mexico since Po'pay of the Pueblo republic. Governor Pérez had arrived from central Mexico in 1835 during the time of the Centralist Republic, which sought to turn all subdivisions of New Mexico into departments governed from Mexico City rather than the local people in the aftermath of a worldwide economci crash and depression.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

The Pérez administration was opposed by the people and especially by the inhabitants of the northern part of the territory, who resented the "outsider" forced upon them by President Santa Anna. Their dissatisfaction was exacerbated when, following Santa Anna's defeat in Texas, the Mexican government drafted a constitution that tightened administration and tax-collection and imposed property qualifications on political participation. New Mexicans assumed that Pérez would attempt to levy the taxes and completely restructure the regional political system in accordance with the new constitution. Other grievances included Pérez's reinstatement of Francisco Sarracino, a former governor who had been suspended for fraud from his position as subcomisario (a customs official); Pérez's appointment of a civil servant named Ramón Abreu as prefect when others thought they were better candidates; Pérez's failure to rein in customs officials who defrauded American traders on the Santa Fe Trail, some of whom lived in Taos in Northern New Mexico; and the inadequate food and bad conditions endured by men forced to serve in the militia against the Navajo and Apache. Some may also have resented his adultery (he openly had a relationship with his housekeeper, his wife being in Mexico City) and his wealth and luxurious possessions, as most New Mexicans were poor.

Chronological Milestones & Life Events

1. 1835: 1835 Milestone — Governor Pérez had arrived from central Mexico in 1835 during the time of the Centralist Republic, which sought to turn all subdivisions of New Mexico into departments governed from Mexico City rather than the local people in the aftermath of a worldwide economci crash and depression.
2. 1837: 1837 Milestone — The Cantón de Nuevo México, also known as the Junta Popular, was a New Mexican state formed during the 1837 Pueblo-Hispano Río Arriba Rebellion against the Centralist Republic of Mexico's territory of Santa Fe de Nuevo México.

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Cantón de Nuevo México

True or False: “The Cantón de Nuevo México immediately declared full, permanent independence from Mexico upon its formation in August 1837.”

Answer (FALSE ❌): Initially, the rebels were divided over whether to declare *de jure* independence; their initial declarations focused on defending their country and resisting specific taxes or plans.

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

• Abraham Kuyper — Historical peer (Born in 1837) (1837): Influential neo-Calvinist pastor, journalist, and Prime Minister of the Netherlands.
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