La conmemoración del centenario de la guerra entre México y Estados Unidos (Ciudad de México, 1947)

Abstract

In September 1947, Miguel Alemán’s government commemorated the centenary of the Mexican-American war. This article studies this commemoration, specifically, the ceremonies held in Chapultepec and in the Plaza de la Constitución on September 13 and 14. Additionally, two previous events, which directly influenced the commemoration, are addressed: U.S. President Harry S. Truman’s visit to Mexico City and the discovery of the mortal remains of the Niños Héroes, both in March 1947. Based, mainly, on newspapers and other publications of the time, the analysis focuses on the official discourses about the war and in the way in which the centenary contributed to strengthen a specific memory around it. Likewise, it is argued that the celebration helped to legitimize the Mexican government and the Mexican army.