Santa Anna’s generally conservative rule had been…

Santa Anna’s generally conservative rule had been threatened in the 1830s by intermittent rebellions by both liberal and conservative factions.

The factionalized Centralists, who control the government, favor an autocracy under a monarch or dictator; the opposition Federalist Party supports a constitutional democracy.

As Bustamante's presidency turns chaotic, Santa Anna is on March 20, 1839, once again asked to take control of the provisional government.

He accepts and becomes president for the fifth time, taking over a nation with an empty treasury.

The war with France has weakened Mexico, and the people are discontented.

Also, a rebel army led by Generals Jose Urrea, who had briefly revived his military career with the invasion by the French, and José Antonio Mexía, a great supporter of federalism who, as senator for the state of México, had participated in an 1834 uprising against Santa Anna, is marching towards the capital, at war against Santa Anna.