Mexican Commanders

The American and French revolutions brought fresh and invigorating thoughts to those restless with Old Spain’s administration of New Spain. After much bloodshed and negotiation, Mexico won its independence in 1821. It would then begin the inherently turbulent task of developing politically.

At the time of its war with Texas, the Mexican republic was still in its early stages of development. Prior to its birth, a number of cultures thrived on its soil prior to the arrival of the Spanish, and the European settlement of this region was at times violent. The Spanish had exploited the region’s resources for the sake of their homeland and with little regard to local quality of life.

Mexico’s European lineage and once well funded military establishment left it with a number of skilled and formally trained military leaders. Men like General Antonio López de Santa Anna, who fought for a number of Spanish and Mexican political factions. And men like Martín Perfecto de Cos, a career military man.

Gentlemen soldiers such as Manuel Fernández Castrillón were liberally educated and trained in military tactics and strategy, and held themselves to the highest standards of soldierly deportment. They spoke the martial language of Napoleon, and took their nation’s honor very seriously. 

By utilizing the skill of men like Juan Morales, who fought the Spanish with the Batallón de la Libertad, and Juan Almonte, who was both an accomplished fighter and journalist, Texas revolutionaries would not be assured an easy victory. The Mexican commanders each had an excellent military pedigree.