... Indepence and the path towards democracy ...
by Infocostarica Staff

Costa Rica won its independence from Spain on September 15th, 1821. Unlike independence in other countries, it wasn't a very significant event at the time, since this country had functioned apart from the Capitanía General of Guatemala for a long time. In other words, even though the official date of independence is 1821, Costa Rica, since its origins, possessed an autonomous sense of being that became definite in that particular year. The country had functioned independently because of Spain's lack of economical, political and even religious interest in the poor region.

After the Declaration of Independence, the four main cities of the country: Cartago, Heredia, San José and Alajuela, also felt autonomous from each other, and disagreed on several issues. The Cartago and Heredia conservative leaders were in favor of joining Mexico, while the two latter cities and their Republican leaders disagreed. After a small battle in the Ochomogo Hills in Cartago, the Republicans were victorious, thus rejecting the accession with Mexico. Afterwards, Guanacaste, which belonged to Nicaragua, decided to join Costa Rica.

After a definition of physical and political boundaries, this young country headed towards a formalization of its political tendencies. Since the country never possessed strong religious institutions or interests, liberalism characterized politics. Other countries in the region were unfortunate in the sense that they had two opposing poles -conservatives and liberals- who caused a cycle of wars that in some places, still carry on.

The first elected chief of state was Juan Mora Fernández. Throughout his rule, which started in 1824, he succeeded in installing a fair judicial system, in expanding public education and in promoting coffee plantations. In 1835 however, San José was attacked by the other three cities, but it still won the battle. Three years later, Costa Rican stability was challenged again, this time by an outsider- the Honduran Francisco Morazán. He overturned President Braulio Carrillo, but his efforts weren't successful and he was executed a year later.

After these threats to the solidity of the state, a new political group had emerged- the coffee elite. These wealthy families overthrew the nation's first president, José María Castro, and placed Juan Rafael Mora as their leader. Mora achieved great economic growth for his country and what's more important, he saved it from William Walker, an ambitious American who wanted to take over the country. Even after accomplishing great things, he became a victim of yet another coup, and was executed.

The evolution from a militaristic and coup-ridden nation to a more stable and democratic one, took place through Tomás Guardia´s rule. Ironically, Tomás Guardia came into power and remained there by military force. However, his reforms were the seeds of a much needed democracy. In twelve years he succeeded in controlling the use of the military, revising the Constitution, building the railroad to the Atlantic and several roads and declaring education for both sexes obligatory and free (1869 reform). These amazing events marked the path for a new democratic era.