Looking at the South without losing sight of the North. Mexico vis-à-vis the Union of Central American Republics, 1885

Abstract

This article deals with the conflict arising in 1885, when General Justo Rufino Barrios, president of Guatemala, proclaimed unilaterally the Union of Central American Republics, assuring its establishment even by armed means. Also, based on news items from the main newspapers circulating in Mexico City, which allows to know the response of public opinion of the time, it examines the Mexican government’s position on the conflict that broke out and was an imperative to have a look at the southern border. The aim is to explore Mexican government’s foreign policy vis-à-vis an event that became more relevant when fears of a possible intervention of the United States in the national territory spread. The findings show that General Porfirio Diaz’s reaction to the Central American conflict contributed to the enhancement of his reputation as “a peace hero”.