Neglected Citizens and Willing Traders: The Villas del Norte (Tamaulipas) in Mexico’s Northern Borderlands, 1749-1846
Author(s)
Valerio-Jimenez, Omar S.
Abstract
The political identity of residents of the villas del norte (northern villas) underwent a transformation as a result of Mexican Independence. The shift from Spanish subjects to Mexican citizens was accompanied by a corresponding change from racial categories to civic classifications. Despite the egalitarian tone of Mexico’s new constitution (1824), economic class remained the basis for the new civic categories and the local elite continued to hold political office. The Mexican government promoted nationalism in the villas del norte through patriotic celebrations, military service, and the discourse of citizenship. Nevertheless, the political schisms between residents of these villas and the national state increased due to trade restrictions, the national government’s political neglect, and social isolation. Ultimately, the vecinos ignored trade prohibitions and developed trade links with the United States.
