Comments on: 19th century Mexico through the eyes of an American aristocrat

By: vcamm77@hotmail.com

vcamm77@hotmail.com — Thu, 27 Nov 2025 06:15:32 +0000

Excellent article. Thank you.

By: Bob Pateman

Bob Pateman — Wed, 26 Nov 2025 07:33:51 +0000

In reply to mercedestune@gmail.com. Thank you for the thoughtful comments, and thank you also for reading the article, Bob

By: Bob Pateman

Bob Pateman — Wed, 26 Nov 2025 07:30:59 +0000

In reply to Bradford Burns. Thank you, Bradford, I am glad you liked the article. I will cetianly look up the work of Carolyn Kingston, Bob

By: Bob Pateman

Bob Pateman — Wed, 26 Nov 2025 07:29:59 +0000

In reply to Jorge of the castle. Thank you, Jorge, I am glad you liked the article. It was a fascinating period of history. Bob

By: mercedestune@gmail.com

mercedestune@gmail.com — Tue, 25 Nov 2025 01:36:10 +0000

Interesting. I found fascinating that the 1860s reveal a striking parallel: Mexico and the United States simultaneously fought for their democratic souls.
Both countries had democratically elected presidents—Abraham Lincoln and Benito Juárez. Both faced self-proclaimed regimes that rejected democratic legitimacy—the Confederate States and the French-imposed empire of Maximilian. These were existential challenges to the principle that government derives legitimacy from the consent of the governed, not from military force or inherited privilege.
What makes this moment inspiring is that neither leader gave up. By 1867, both struggles resolved in democracy’s favor: the Confederacy surrendered, the Union was preserved, Maximilian was executed, and Juárez restored the Mexican republic.

By: Bradford Burns

Bradford Burns — Mon, 24 Nov 2025 15:48:55 +0000

Bob – I agree with Jorge (above). Thank you. And like Jorge, this article reminds me of another amazing woman, Fanny Calderòn La Barca who ‘lived in Mexico City for two years in the 1840’s (the political period leading to this one). She was the wife of the first envoy Spain sent to Mexico after Independence’

The above quote comes from the back of a historical novel based closely on her autobiography. My friend the author, Carolyn Kingston, ‘brings Fanny back to life’ and ‘imagines the secrets of Fanny’s marriage and of her relationship with a handsome young aide to the American envoy’

The life described here by Sara is quite similar to Fanny’s time in Mexico City so once you finish with Sara’s I recommend you find and read ‘Chocolate with Chile’ a novel by Carolyn Kingston

By: Jorge of the castle

Jorge of the castle — Sun, 23 Nov 2025 16:42:41 +0000

Thank you Bob for this very enlightening article. It was great to read about some of the details of living in 19th century Mexico. I think that the historical novel, “The Last Prince of the American Empire” would be an interestng read. I have visited Iturbide’s palace in Mexico City.