Page 279 - Mexico Diving From the Caribbean to Pacific Isles

n 1853, an American named William eing so distant from Mexico City, Baja
California was relatively insulated from
I BWalker invaded the peninsula with 50
mercenaries, intent on annexing the land much of the political and social turmoil that
for the United States. Although he had no plagued Mexico during the latter part of the
support from the U.S. government, Walker 19th century. However, the territory did play
sailed from San Francisco to La Paz, ar- a pivotal role in the Mexican Revolution.
rested the governor, took possession of In 1911, a group called the Partido Liberal
the public buildings and raised the flag of Mexicano (Liberal Mexican Party) organized
a new republic. He even declared himself a rebellion against the extended presidency
president and installed cabinet members. of dictator Porfirio Díaz. Under Francisco
Without reinforcements, however, Walker Palomares and Pedro Ramirez Caule—both
was forced to retreat, first to Cabo San Lu- supporters of Francisco Madero, who initiat-
cas and eventually back across the border. ed the Mexican Revolution in 1910—the re-
bel army took control of Mexicali in January
1911, followed by Tijuana in May. The success
of the Partido Liberal Mexicano undermined
the credibility of Díaz and the federal forces,
encouraging rebel troops in other regions to
join the fight. On December 31, 1952, Baja
California officially became Mexico’s 29th
state, and in 1953 the state’s constitution
was adopted. Previously, the region’s official
name was Territorio Norte de Baja Califor-
nia, or Northern Territory of Baja California.