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The Evolution of a Mexican Foreign Trade Policy, 1821–1828

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  11 December 2015

John E. Baur
John E. Baur*
Affiliation:
Los Angeles, California
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Extract

In 1821, an independent Mexico, developing a national conscience and abundant enthusiasm, planned to declare its independence economically and socially as well as in political affairs. Unfortunately, many prominent Mexicans were unable to realize that their new nation could escape neither the Spanish past nor its Mexican present.

Mercantilism had been the prime characteristic of colonial commerce. During the colonial period, only two Mexican ports were provided for importation and exportation. These were Vera Cruz, for Atlantic trade, and Acapulco, for the Manila shipments. The whole export-import commerce of the New World was forced to pass through Spain's ports of Cádiz and Seville, and only in Spanish ships. Licensed vessels embarked at certain prescribed periods when they traveled with a convoy.

Type
Research Article
Information
The Americas , Volume 19 , Issue 3 , January 1963 , pp. 225 - 261
Copyright
Copyright © Academy of American Franciscan History 1963

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