Chiapas War

The Chiapas War was a conflict of conquest by Catrachia against the Republic of Mexico. The conflict ended with a surprising victory for Catrachia.

The Conflict

Prelude

Mexico had previously been ruled by the House of Iturbide-Guerrero as an empire until the execution of Emperor Vicente II in 1865. Excluding a breif time of Imperial Restoration under Vicente's son, Miguel, Mexico had been under incredible instability. The Mexican people were thrown into the Third Mexican Civil War, which ended indecisively, and saw Rio Grande and Yucatan declaring independence to be annexed by the Kingdom of America, as well as the independence of the Grand Duchy of Central America under Miguel. The remaining territories were organized into the Republic of Mexico.

A new conflict, known as the Liberal Reform War, lasted from 1876 to 1889, ending in the southwestern states along the Pacific Ocean to declare themselves the liberal federalized United Mexican States, bisecting the conservative centralized Republic of Mexico into two. Relations remained hostile, and both declared themselves to be the legitimate government. Border skirmishes happened often, causing concerns with the trijunction borders with America. Most of the New World powers declined to pick a side in the conflict, and rather maintained relations with both.

Following the rise of Antonio I as Grand Duke of Central America, he sought national and military reforms. He negotiated Guatemala's incorporation into the nation, creating the Kingdom of Catrachia. Gaining a defensive alliance with Gran Colombia, Antonio also desired to annex the state of Chiapas from the Republic of Mexico.

Deployment

Rebel forces in Chiapas that held liberal leaning ideas antagonistic to the conservative government were armed and emboldened. When clashes erupted between rebel forces and Mexican regulars, rebels asked for Catracho support. Antonio agreed, and entered the territory on what was declared a peaceful mission. However, the Republic of Mexico gave Catrachia an ultimatum, demanding their departure. Antonio ignored it, and war was declared in 1927.

Conditions

Much of the conflict occurred in the lowland regions of Chiapas, as Antonio did not wish to over extend his supply lines. Meanwhile, the United Mexican States supported Catrachia, closing the borders and isolating the southern Republican states. The Republic of Mexico, incapable of moving large numbers of forces to the state, was unable to capitalize on their superior numbers. Antonio also promoted his officers by merit, and decentralized command as needed. The Catracho forces were then able to respond quicker to enemy actions.

The Engagement

Catrachia won significant victories against the Republic's forces early on, seizing key towns, supplies, and resources before the Republicans could muster significant forces. When conditions were equal, the battles often still went to Catrachia, given their advantage with superior generalship.

Outcome

Catrachia emerged victorious, demanding the state of Chiapas for their own. The Republic, unable to drive the Catracho forces out, conceded. Chiapas as incorporated as a federal state within Catrachia.

Aftermath

The United Mexican State celebrated the victory of Catrachia, extending further diplomatic relations with Antonio's government. In return, Antonio recognized the United Mexican States as the legitimate government of Mexico. Gran Colombia would follow shortly after.

Conflict Type

War

Battlefield Type

Land

Start Date

1927

Ending Date

1928

Conflict Result

Catrachia Victory

Belligerents

Republic of Mexico

• Republic of Mexico

Catrachia

• Catrachia

Led by

• Antonio I

Strength

Casualties

Objectives

Drive out the Catracho forces.

Annex Chiapas.