Santa María–Calatrava Treaty facts for kids
The Santa María–Calatrava Treaty was a very important agreement between Mexico and Spain. It was signed on December 28, 1836. This treaty officially recognized Mexico as an independent country. It also ended the disagreements and fighting between Mexico and Spain that had started with the Mexican War of Independence in 1810. The treaty was signed by Miguel Santa María for Mexico and José María Calatrava for Spain.
Mexico's Road to Independence
Spain had ruled the land we now call Mexico for about 300 years. This rule began in 1521 when Spain conquered the area. They created a colony called New Spain.
The fight for Mexico's freedom, known as the Mexican War of Independence, began on September 16, 1810. This day is famous for the "Cry of Dolores".
The war ended in 1821. Two key events happened that year. First, the Treaty of Cordoba was signed on August 24. Then, Mexico declared its independence on September 28. This declaration created the Mexican Empire. Juan O'Donojú, who was the last Spanish ruler in New Spain, agreed to these terms. However, Spain did not accept these agreements. They said O'Donojú did not have the power to sign them.
Even after the war ended, Spain kept trying to take Mexico back. Spanish armies tried to invade Mexico for more than ten years. For example, in 1825, the Spanish army took over a fort called San Juan de Ulúa. But Mexican forces quickly made them leave. Later, in 1829, Spain tried again to reconquer Mexico. This led to the Battle of Tampico, where Mexico won again.
At the same time, Mexico tried to capture the island of Cuba. Cuba was a strong Spanish base in the Gulf of Mexico. Mexico wanted to reduce Spain's power in the area. This would stop future invasions and open a path to the Atlantic Ocean. But Mexico was not successful in taking Cuba.
How the Treaty Was Signed
In 1833, King Ferdinand VII of Spain passed away. He had been king when the wars for independence in the American colonies began. These wars left Spain in a very difficult economic situation. His daughter, Isabella II, became queen. But she was still a child. So, her mother, Maria Cristina, ruled the country for her.
At this time, Spain also faced a civil war called the First Carlist War. This war was about who should be the next king. Because of these problems, Maria Cristina decided to be more open-minded. She wanted to gain public support. This new approach also meant being more open to working with the American countries. She hoped this would help Spain's economy by increasing trade.
In 1835, Mexico chose Miguel Santa María to represent them. He was already a minister in the United Kingdom. His job was to sign the peace treaty. Spain's ruler, Maria Cristina, chose José María Calatrava. The treaty was officially signed in Madrid, Spain, on December 28, 1836. Mexico then published the treaty on March 4, 1838, making it official there.
See also
In Spanish: Tratado definitivo de paz y amistad entre México y España para niños
