Transgressors of Legality: Soldiers and their Legitimate Struggle for Power in San Luis Potosi, 1869-1870

Abstract

This article analyzes the reasons that drove agroup of soldiers led by General FranciscoAntonio Aguirre to oppose the process to electa governor in 1869, as the members of the locallegislature did not declare an elected constitu-tional governor. Faced with these uncertain cir-cumstances, the soldiers disobeyed their ordersand launched an uprising to express their dis-agreement. The general government intervenedin the internal political life of the inhabitants ofSan Luis Potosí, by ordering a faction of theregular federal army to suppress the soldiersinvolved in the uprising. The political move-ment acquired another dimension, and the rebelsoldiers drafted a political plan against theincumbent President Benito Juárez and hisministers. The movement continued into early1870, in response to which the general govern-ment sent General Mariano Escobedo to SanLuis Potosí to restore the legitimate authori-ties. After achieving his objective, Escobedostood as a candidate for governor and won thatyear’s elections. The primary documentarysources used are found in archives in Mexicoand abroad.