Nation Building

In 1830-1870 Latin Americans had a lot of struggles after they gained independence from Great Britain. People called 'caudillos' had gained power some were good some were terrible. When General Antonio Lopez ruled Mexico from 1833-1855, he misused state funds, halted reforms, and created chaos. In 1835, American settlers in the Mexican state of Texas revolted against Lopez’s rule. President Juarez brought liberal reforms to Mexico, including separation of church and state, land distribution to the poor, and an educational system for all of Mexico.