The construction of 18th century Mexican nationalism. The Jesuit impulse

Abstract

This article describes the process of establishment of nationalism in Mexico in the 18th century. It discusses nationalism as a social construction in the context of the New-Hispanic political reconfiguration, as well as the analysis of the role played by a group of Jesuits in implementing an enlightened and revolutionary education in the Creoles of the 18th century. Thanks to this, the Creoles realized the importance of creating their identity and the need for transformation, which culminated in Independence. Some symbols that helped in the formation of identity were: the Virgin of Guadalupe, the admiration for pre-Hispanic cultures and natural resources.