Shadows of the Black Legend: Press Reflections of Mexican Political Events and the Conservative Party in The New York Times, 1851–1867
Shadows of the Black Legend: Press Reflections of Mexican Political Events and the Conservative Party in The New York Times, 1851–1867

Summary/Abstract: Nowadays Mexico is often in the spotlight of US politics; US interests and prejudices of the press and wider public usually playing important role in the discussion. Theme of my researchs will be the reflections of The New York Times on Mexican political events and Mexican-US relations during the mid-19th century. Starting point of my presentation will be 1851, founding of the paper, while I will finish with 1867, fall of the French-installed Mexican Empire. My focus will be on the Monroe Doctrine and its implementation, anti-Catholic and anti-Hispanic prejudices, as well as the infamous Black Legend (lejenda negra). I will analyse how Times approached Mexico’s political life and its multiple actors, especially the „suspicious” catholic Conservatives. What positions and approaches did the paper took between 1851 and 1867, and what influenced them? I will point out especially, how the Black Legend about the actual and fictional atrocities committed by Spanish colonizers, and its modified anti-Hispanic version influenced the Times. Another key tenant of my presentation will be about what impact did USA geopolitical and economic interests had on the opinion of the paper. Did the generally prejudiced attitude drove them to support these aims, or on the contrary: prejudices served only as a smokescreen of US expansion? Research of these questions can help us in understanding current Mexican-American issues, and the underlying motives.

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