Central American Federation
The Central American Federation, officially known as the United Provinces of Central America, was a short-lived federal republic that existed from 1823 to 1841. It was established in the wake of the collapse of Spanish Empire's control over the region following the Mexican Independence in 1821.
Formation
The federation was formed by the provinces of Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, and Costa Rica. Initially, these provinces declared their independence from Spain and briefly joined Mexico in 1822, but soon after, they decided to form their own union due to dissatisfaction with Mexican rule, particularly under Agustin de Iturbide.
Structure and Governance
- Capital: The capital was initially set in Guatemala City, but it was later moved to San Salvador.
- Constitution: The federation adopted a constitution in 1824, which was influenced by the United States Constitution, aiming for a federal system with a weak central government.
- Political System: The political structure included a bicameral Legislative Assembly, a Supreme Court, and a President elected for a four-year term.
Challenges and Dissolution
The federation faced numerous challenges:
- Internal Conflicts: Regional rivalries, political instability, and personal ambitions among leaders led to frequent conflicts.
- Economic Issues: Economic disparities between provinces, with some areas like Guatemala being more prosperous, contributed to tensions.
- External Pressures: The federation also faced pressures from external powers like the United Kingdom and the United States, interested in the region's trade and geopolitical position.
The federation began to disintegrate in the late 1830s, with
Costa Rica seceding in 1838, followed by the rest of the provinces by 1841.
Legacy
The idea of a Central American union has remained influential:
References
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