On 28 December 1836, Spain recognized the independence of Mexico under the Santa María–Calatrava Treaty, signed in Madrid by the Mexican Commissioner Miguel Santa María and the Spanish state minister José María Calatrava.
The Definitive treaty of peace and friendship between Mexico and Spain, also called Santa María–Calatrava Treaty was an international treaty between Mexico and Spain on December 28, 1836, by which the Spanish monarchy recognized the independence of Mexico as a "free, sovereign and independent nation". It ended the tensions between both nations that emerged from the Mexican War of Independence, which began in 1810. It was signed by Mexican Miguel Santa María and Spaniard José María Calatrava.
From 1521, Spain had conquered the territory known today as Mexico and subjugated the indigenous civilizations living there, founding a colony which would be elevated to the category of viceroyalty in 1535 called New Spain. Spain ruled over Mexico for three centuries.On September 16, 1810, the Mexican War of Independence began with the so-called Cry of Dolores.
The war ended in 1821, with the signing of the Treaty of Cordoba on August 24 and the Declaration of Independence of the Mexican Empire on September 28 of that year. This act was the result of the negotiations of the different factions participating in the war, including Juan O'Donojú, the last viceroy of New Spain on behalf of the monarchy. However, Spain would not recognize the treaties and the declaration on the grounds that O'Donojú was unable to make such arrangements.
In 1835, Mexico appointed Miguel Santa María, who was already minister in the United Kingdom, as minister plenipotentiary to sign the peace treaty. For its part, the Spanish Regency appointed José María Calatrava. The treaty was signed in Madrid on December 28, 1836. It was published in Mexico on March 4, 1838.
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