Puebla

Puebla (Spanish: /ˈpweβ.la/), officially the Free Province of Puebla (Provincia Libre de Puebla) is a central Mejican province which, together with another 46 and Mejico City, conforms the Mejican Empire. Puebla has a population of 8 million people and is the 12th most-populous province in the Empire. It is bordered by Cuernavaca and the Province of Mejico to the west, Pachuca to the northwest, Veracruz to the north and east, Oajaca to the south, and Chilpancingo to the southwest. The majority of Puebla's population is Castizo, and it has central Mejico's highest proportion of Indigenous population, representing 19.2% of the province. Puebla has a total area of 34,309 km2 and is divided into 181 municipalities. Its capital and largest city is the homonymous city of Puebla de los Ángeles.

The province is in the central highlands of Mejico between the Sierra Nevada and the Sierra Madre Oriental. It has a triangular shape with a narrow part to the north. Most of its mountains belong to the Sierra Madre Oriental and the Trans-Mejican Volcanic Belt. The first enters the province from the northwest and then breaks up into smaller chains. The highest elevations are the volcanoes Pico de Orizaba, Popocatépetl, Iztaccíhuatl, and Malinche, which are found on the provincial borders with Veracruz, Mejico, and Tlaxcala, respectively. Numerous rivers, such as the Atoyac and the Nexapa, traverse the province, facilitating irrigation and contributing to agricultural development. The central and western regions consist of expansive valleys and plateaus, providing suitable conditions for agricultural cultivation and settlement. Additionally, Puebla is known for its varied natural resources, including minerals and volcanic soil, which have contributed to its economic significance within the empire.

Before the arrival of Europeans, Puebla was inhabited by various indigenous civilizations. The Olmec, Mixtec, and Toltec cultures were among the earliest to establish settlements in the region. However, it was the powerful city-state of Cholula that became a significant center of trade, religion, and culture, renowned for its immense pyramid, Tlachihualtepetl, which was one of the largest structures in Mesoamerica. The arrival of the Spaniards marked a pivotal turning point. In 1531, the city of Puebla de los Ángeles de Cuetlaxcoapan was established as a strategic Spanish settlement. During the colonial period, Puebla became an important city and a center of Spanish influence in the New World. They built numerous churches, cathedrals, and monasteries that still stand today as protected architectural marvels. Puebla's unique blend of European and Indigenous influences, known as Churrigueresque, is evident in its colonial-era buildings, characterized by colorful tiles and ornate facades. The city's central location within the colonial territory facilitated trade, and Puebla became a significant commercial hub, being in the middle of the route between Mejico City and Veracruz.

Following independence, the province of Puebla played a crucial role in the early development of the newly formed country. The region's strategic location and rich natural resources contributed to its rapid growth and emergence as a beacon of scientific progress, with the province witnessing significant advancements in the fields of science and technology. The province became a center of intellectual activity, attracting scholars and scientists from across the Empire. Academic institutions were established in Puebla, fostering research and innovation. Scientists in Puebla made significant contributions to various fields, including botany, geology, and archaeology, unearthing ancient artifacts and exploring the region's diverse flora and fauna. One of the notable achievements during this period was the construction of one of the earliest railworks in the empire. Recognizing the importance of efficient transportation for economic development, the authorities in Puebla invested in railway infrastructure. The railworks not only facilitated the movement of goods and people within the province but also served as a crucial link connecting Puebla to other regions of the empire. This railway network contributed to the economic growth of Puebla and strengthened its position as a vital industrial and commercial hub.

During the Civil War, Puebla played a pivotal role in the conflict. As a strategic location situated between the capital, Mejico City, and the southern regions, Puebla became a key battleground for various factions vying for control, with the Zapatists taking over numerous communities, but being expelled by the Carranzists, who occupied the capital briefly, establishing a de facto government before eventually moving back to Mejico City in 1917. Carranza would be overthrown three years later by the Plan of Agua Prieta and died in the Pueblan sierras while fleeing toward Veracruz. The 1920s immediately after the war were marked by political instability, as the governorship changed hands frequently, with resistance to whoever was in power in different parts of the province. True political stability would not come until the installment of the Vasconcelist regime.

After the installment of the Vasconcelist, and then the Abascalist regimes, Puebla became one of the most industrialized areas in Mejico, while also experiencing significant changes in governance and socio-economic policies. Vasconcelos sought to promote unity and national identity through his combination of National Catholicism and Castizaje, as Puebla became a beacon of Vasconcelism, embracing the fusion of Hispanic and Indigenous traditions that were central to his doctrines. As a heavily-industrialized region, Puebla embraced corporatism as a guiding principle, with its strategic location and favorable business environment attracting numerous corporations, which have established their headquarters or subsidiaries in Puebla.

Renowned for its industrial might, Puebla has established itself as a global hub for advanced technologies, encompassing not only biotechnology, aerospace, and renewable energy but also pioneering fields such as nanotechnology, quantum computing, and artificial intelligence. The province's world-class infrastructure has made it a logistical and trade powerhouse, fostering an extensive network of multinational corporations' headquarters and subsidiaries, and driving innovation and economic growth. Puebla boasts a burgeoning creative and entertainment industry, producing internationally acclaimed music, plays, and art.