1850 American Gold Baron

Chapter 461 Mexican Teenager

This war is a bad thing for the Mexican people, but it may not be a bad thing for Mexican President Santa Ana.

After the U.S.-Mexican War, Mexico, whose national power was greatly damaged, fell into a long-term economic downturn.

Except for the fact that some iron ore states have made a few mine owners rich by selling iron ore to California.

The economic situation in Mexico can be described as dire.

At the end of the first U.S.-Mexican War in 1848, the United States paid Mexico $10 million in compensation.

If the Mexican authorities can use this 10 million US dollars to develop the economy and industrialize.

After losing a large area of ​​territory, Mexico has no possibility of becoming a great power, but it does not necessarily have no hope of becoming a regional power.

You know, more than 40 years ago, the situation when Mexico first became independent was far better than the diplomatic situation faced when the United States just became independent.

And at that time, in terms of economic aggregate, Mexico was larger than the United States. In terms of effective control of territory, the two countries were about the same. In terms of standing army, the number of Mexican troops was also much higher than that of the US military.

The upper-class dignitaries in Mexico also have an advantage that the American elites envy, that is, the Mexican dignitaries can obtain the recognition of the European aristocrats through the Spanish royal family, become members of the quasi-upper-class society in Europe, and integrate into their circles.

It's a pity that all these have become a thing of the past, and there is no if in history.

Mexico is a typical Latin American country that starts strong and plays a good hand to pieces.

The political instability, frequent political struggles and internal strife at the top level have drained the vitality of this country with great potential.

Even the US$10 million in consolation compensation for the loss of two-thirds of the territory was divided up by the country's greedy large planters, large landowners and comprador politicians.

From 1846 to 1856, the mileage of railroads in the United States almost doubled, and steel production increased by three-quarters.

And Mexico is still the same Mexico it was ten years ago, or even worse.

The gap between the two countries has further widened.

In view of the dire situation in the country, Santa Ana, the controversial president with mixed reviews in Mexican history, has also come to the forefront.

The voices in Mexico calling for Santa Ana to step down continue unabated and are getting louder.

Even the military, Santa Ana's base, broke out in an uprising against Santa Ana.

The American invasion was a big challenge for Santa Ana, but it was also a big opportunity.

If Santa Ana can repel the invading U.S. troops in this war, he will not only be able to wash away the shame of being captured by German General Houston in Texas ten years ago and forced to sign an armistice treaty.

It can also help him survive his political career that has come to an end, continue to survive, and even become a national hero in Mexico.

Regarding the U.S. military's renewed invasion, Santa Ana was particularly considerate this time, and he even spent his own money to reward the troops.

After the Confederate army captured Monterey, it took a full week before the Confederate army could continue to move south.

Due to the excessive success in the early stages of the war, the Confederate generals did not take the Mexican army seriously.

Any Confederate army is eager to encounter the Mexican army. Now these Mexican soldiers are simply walking military merits in their eyes.

Jackson strictly ordered each regiment to march in an orderly manner according to the scheduled march plan.

But these troops from the southern states did not carry out Jackson's orders well.

According to the predetermined plan, the elite Virginia regiment led the charge.

The Virginia Regiment was the most experienced and best-equipped unit in the Confederate Army.

This unit was the predecessor of the Army of Virginia that would later frighten the Union Army.

However, three days after setting off, the troops at the forefront of the army turned out to be a motley crew of Arkansas troops with uniform uniforms and colors.

The reasons why Arkansans strive to lead the way are also surprising.

During the attack on Nuevo Laredo, the troops from North Carolina were the first to attack Nuevo Laredo.

During the attack on Monterey, Virginia troops were the first to invade Monterey.

During the attack on Reynosa, the first troops to enter Reynosa were South Carolina troops.

In short, in all previous sieges, the Arkansans were the last to enter the city and played a supporting role.

After they entered the city, the valuable things in the city had long been looted by the friendly troops who entered the city, and they Arkansans could only follow behind to pick up the rags.

This time, the Arkansans no longer want to eat the scraps left by others. They want to take over Ciudad Victoria, the capital of the Mexican state of Tamaurispa, and drink the head soup of Ciudad Victoria.

What they didn't know was that the Confederate army was delayed in Torreon.

At this time, the main force of Mexico had already entered Victoria City, which was the only place where the Confederate Army marched south.

The Mexican reconnaissance force also quickly detected this miscellaneous force that ventured into the area.

To be honest, the Mexicans don't know much about the organization and flag of the Confederate army. Their method of distinguishing whether an army is a miscellaneous army is also very simple and crude, that is, to observe whether their uniforms and weapons are uniform.

The head coach of the Mexican army in Ciudad Victoria is President Santa Ana.

In order to boost morale, Santa Ana moved his headquarters from San Luis Potosi to Ciudad Victoria, a city closer to the front line.

After learning that a small and mixed Confederate army was advancing alone, Santa Ana decided to seize this opportunity and catch the Confederate army off guard.

Since the beginning of the war, the Mexican army has suffered consecutive defeats and has not even achieved a small victory.

Whether it is the Southern Army on the Eastern Front or the Western Brigade on the Western Front, it can be said that they are in no man's land.

The morale of the Mexican army can be said to be extremely low.

Santa Ana needed a victory to boost the morale of the Mexican army.

"Gonzalez! I'll give you a cavalry regiment and two infantry regiments. Can you eat these damn American soldiers in one bite?!"

Santa Ana glanced at every mid-level and senior Mexican military officer.

Finally, his eyes fell on a young major in the corner who was only twenty-two years old.

Soon, Santa Ana's resolution was opposed by many military officers.

There are many reasons for the opposition. For example, Gonzalez is only a minor major. If Santa Ana had not personally called him by name, Gonzalez would not even be qualified to stand here for the meeting.

Furthermore, Gonzalez was too young, allowing a 22-year-old young man to command three regiments, and one regiment of cavalry. This was unprecedented in Mexican military history.

Of course, the most fatal reason is that Gonzalez is a restless boy who joined the revolutionary organization when he was ten years old. This boy was once a member of the opposition, and the object of his rebellion was the Santa Ana government.

"Quiet!"

In the face of constant opposition, Santa Ana knocked on the table to ask the Mexican generals present to keep quiet.

Santa Ana cast expectant eyes on Gonzales. Of course, Santa Ana knew about Gonzales' past.

But Santa Ana had his own considerations.

Although Gonzalez is only twenty-two years old, he is a veteran who has served for more than ten years.

When Gonzalez was twelve or thirteen years old, he joined the volunteers, directly participated in the U.S.-Mexican War at that time, and made contributions.

The American army, especially the American army in the south, is the old rival of the Mexican army.

Many of the so-called battle-hardened and senior Mexican officers present were defeated by the U.S. military.

Even if they were to face an army of American soldiers with an absolute advantage, there was no guarantee that these senior officers would not have any psychological shadow.

But Gonzalez is different. He is young and energetic, and he has not yet been defeated against the US military.

Santa Ana wanted a total annihilation battle to boost morale, so he thought Gonzalez was the most suitable candidate.

Santa Ana overcame all opinions and entrusted Gonzalez with important tasks regardless of his past experience, which made Gonzalez feel deeply.

Gonzalez just solemnly saluted Santa Ana: "Your Excellency, Gonzalez promises to complete the mission!"

"Very well, let's go."

Santa Ana nodded with satisfaction.

(End of chapter)