First Franco-Mexican War (27 Nov 1838 Jahr – 9 März 1839 Jahr)

Beschreibung:

During the early years of the new centralist Mexican government there was widespread civil disorder which often resulted in destruction or looting of private property. Foreigners whose property was destroyed by rioters or bandits were usually also unable to obtain compensation from the Mexican government.

A multitude of French citizens appealed to the French government for aid and following the sinking of a French Merchant ship [which was mistaken for a Pirate ship], the French demanded from Mexico the payment of 600,000 pesos [an enormous sum for the time].

When Mexico refused to make payment, France blockaded their east coast, bombarded the fortress of San Juan de Ulúa, and captured the City of Veracruz, resulting in a Mexican declaration of war.

The French forces withdrew on 9 March 1839 after a peace treaty was signed. As part of said treaty the Mexican government agreed to pay 600,000 pesos as damages to French citizens while France received promises for future trade commitments in place of war indemnities. However, this amount was never paid.