Summary

The Empire of Mexico used to control most of western North America. The first and largest to win independence in the New World, Mexico is an important trading partner to most North American countries, and Europe.

Includes: Mexico (minus the Baja peninsula), Arizona, and western New Mexico

Borders: The Colorado River to the west and north against California and Deseret; the Rio Grande River to the east against Texas; Intermountain to the north and northwest; Panama Canal to the south

Capital: Mexico City

Language: Spanish

History

The oldest bastion of civilization in North America and the oldest independent nation on the continent, Mexico gained its independence from Spain in 1811. At the time, Spain was too preoccupied with the Peninsular War against Napoleon to keep its holdings in New Spain from breaking off. In its secession, the Empire of Mexico became the first and largest sovereign kingdom in the new world.

Three nations have won their independence from Mexico: Texas, California, and Deseret, all within about forty years. Reeling from these losses, and from being pushed to the Rio Grande by Texas, Mexico solidified its borders and forts. The kingdom is determined not to lose any more land.

Rulers

The Santa Anna line have ruled with a tight fist, except when King Geraldo didn’t have a son, and adopted Benito Juarez to be his heir. Mexican loyalists often get embarassed at how loved the ‘bastard-king’ became.

Relations

Mexico actually has better relations with the European kingdoms than any North American nation other than the Dominion of Canada. Rather than intermarrying with the new kingdoms of North America, Mexico reacted to the loss of its lands by forging stronger ties with the ruling heads of Europe. Through economic and marital ties, Mexico’s strengthened itself on the North American and world stage.

The European powers, particularly the United Kingdom, see Mexico as a useful ally that can give them a base from which to project their power into North America. In fact, it is Mexico’s ties with the United Kingdom that essentially halted the westward expansion of Texas, a major trade partner of the UK. Mexico is decidedly old-world in its thinking, and still dreams of re-conquering its lost territories.