Conservatism in Mejico
Conservatism in Mejico (Spanish: Conservadurismo en Méjico) is a political ideology that advocates for the preservation of traditional values, institutions, and social order. It encompasses diverse factions and has seen various iterations throughout Mejican history, often in opposition to liberal and progressive movements. Historically, Mejican Conservatives have emphasized the importance of Catholicism, social hierarchies, and the rule of law, favoring the idea of "God, King, and Homeland" as the pillars of society.
Conservative thought in Mejico emerged during the early years of independence, with influences from traditionalist European conservative philosophy. Conservatives have sought to uphold the authority and influence of the Catholic Church, often aligning themselves with the interests of the clergy. They have advocated for the preservation of social hierarchies, including the privileges of the military and aristocracy. Important thinkers and politicians of early Mejican conservatism are King Agustín I, Queen María Carlota, Rodrigo Miranda, Ciprián Ribadesella, Lucas Alamán, José María Gutiérrez de Estrada, Mariano Paredes, Antonio López de Santa Anna, Miguel Miramón, and Félix María Zuloaga, among others.
Throughout Mejican history, Conservatives have wrestled for control with Liberals and have often found themselves at odds with the changing social and political landscape. The Conservative Era of Mejico began in 1855 following the ousting of Mariano García de Arista by Antonio López de Santa Anna through the Plan del Hospicio, with Conservatives governing the country through the bloody Yucatán Caste War and the Liberal Insurgency of 1868, which saw the rise of General Miguel Miramón, the Duke of Bacalar, to prominence. Miramón fiercely defended the privileges of the Church, military, and aristocracy, facing significant opposition from liberals who sought to promote secularism, democracy, and land reform.
During his government, the industrialization of the country began to take shape, with the establishment of factories and the expansion of railroads. However, a new form of conservatism, shaped by Catholic social teaching and the principles of solidarity, subsidiarity, and the common good, rose in the form of Integralism, led by Ernesto Valverde's Catholic Social Movement. The movement sought to bridge the gap between conservatives and the Church, advocating primarily for labor rights, and the welfare of the working class. The movement originally gained traction but became part of the opposition following the 1880 election and the beginning of the Liberal Trentennium, as positivism became the main guiding principle of the government.
Conservatism wouldn't rise to prominence again until the presidency of the Liberal Plutarco Elías Calles, who passed anti-clerical and anti-Catholic legislation that sparked strong resistance from Conservative factions. This period, known as the Christiad, saw violent clashes between the state and Conservative rebels, ultimately resulting in the assassination of Calles and the subsequent victory of the Cristero movement. The resurgence of Conservative influence culminated in the dictatorship of José Vasconcelos, who implemented authoritarian policies that suppressed Liberal and left-wing movements. Despite this, Conservative elements within the government maintained their prominence, leading to the adoption of new constitutional reforms in 1966. Salvador Abascal, the right-hand man of Vasconcelos, further consolidated Conservative Synarchist principles during his presidency from 1959 to 1970.
Political parties took a secondary role during the Absolutist Octennium, during which Conservative factions supported the actions of Emperor Ferdinand II, who held absolute power. Political dissent was effectively silenced, and his agenda was enforced without opposition. However, the period of absolutism came to an end in 1984 with the democratization of Mejico. Since then, Conservatives have participated in democratic elections and have been elected to office on multiple occasions. Manuel "Maquío" Clouthier, Diego Fernández de Cevallos, and Gabriel Quadri de la Torre have led the country from 1985 to 1989, 2000 to 2010, and from 2020 to the present.
In contemporary Mejico, Conservative factions continue to hold sway in certain areas of society, advocating for the preservation of traditional values, religious freedom, and the importance of family institutions. They often align themselves with conservative elements within the Catholic Church, which remains an influential social institution in the country. The Conservative movement in Mejico today encompasses diverse perspectives, ranging from social conservatism to economic liberalism. Notable Conservative parties include the National Action Party (PAN) and the Mejican Democratic Party (MDP), which have had varying levels of success in electoral politics.
The main points of contention for Mejican conservatives are the institution of corporatism, Synarchist communities, the anti-divorce and anti-pornography movements, the social and educational role of the Catholic Church, the scope of the power of the monarchy, Indigenous integrationism, welfare chauvinism, and immigration policies. They often advocate for lower taxes, limited government intervention in economic affairs, and a focus on individual freedoms and personal responsibility.