Mexican Influence in Central America, 1821-1823
p OSTERITY often fails to give adequate recognition to liberators who fail to be spectacular in their actions. Military rank or political power, or both, have served as usual prerequisites for the average liberator, whose subsequent fame has depended as much or more on a "good press" as upon his actual achievements. One of the best proofs that can be offered to substantiate the need for a good press can be found in the history of Central America during the turbulence that preceded the final independence of that region from foreign rule. In the period from 1821 to 1823 two very remarkable captains-general were placed in charge of the onetime Captaincy-General of Guatemala. One was the last representative of Spanish control there, and the other was an appointed official of the Mexican Empire. Each in his turn brought independence to Central America. Captains-general, though, are not logical "liberator" material, and both received what might be considered a "bad press" after they had made their contributions to Central American independence. For if idealism and heroism (however selfishly motivated) enable public opinion to become panegyric in extolling the exploits of leaders responsible for much bloodshed, conversely it is difficult to expect intense journalistic or historical adulation for men who follow a course of least resistance, or act upon moral principles that reject the use of force where it is avoidable. At least such might be the most logical explanation for the relative slighting accorded Gabino Gainza, Spain 's last captaini-general of Guatemala, and Vicente Filisola, appointed captain-general of Guatemala by Iturbide shortly before he abdicated. Gainza was responsible for Central America 's peaceful attainment of independence from Spain.' To Filisola Central America owed a carefully handled, equally peaceful liberation from Mexico.