After gaining their independence, Mexico, Argentina, and Brazil were faced with the task of establishing functional governments and economies. For Argentina and Mexico the transition from colonial life to independence was much more difficult than the transition for Brazil. Part of Brazil's success can be attributed to its geography, but the geography of Mexico and Argentina caused problems. Caudillos were men of physical ability, courage, and who had strong personalities that would motivate men of humble origins to follow them into battle. Caudillos were much like dictators. The age of caudillos was not a favorable one for Mexico and Argentina. Mexico gained its independence in 1821. Antonio López de Santa Anna was a famous caudillo from Mexico. Santa Anna was of wealthy decedent, and was a member of the Mexican military at the end of the colonial period. For some Santa Anna was believed to be the one who could bring order and prosperity to Mexico while others believed he would only create more disorder. Santa Anna was initially associated with the liberal party in Mexico. Santa Anna was elected President of Mexico in 1832 under the liberal party. He stepped down and allowed his vice president to run the country. When the policies by the liberal party were seen as unfavorable, he came out of retirement and overthrew his vice president. He replaced the liberal government with one of conservatives. The constitution of 1836 replaced the constitution of 1824. Before the new constitution took effect, he left again. Overall, Santa Anna would hold the office of president eleven times. Sometimes he was elected, and other times he just seized power. He went back and forth between siding with the liberals and conservatives. Although he is attributed with being one of the main sources of chaos in Mexico, he is also seen as the only person capable of mediating between the two different ideologies in Mexico. Santa Anna's ability to maintain the illusion that he was a capable military leader is what allowed him to maintain power. The loss of Texas and territory in Central America showed the cost of Mexico's failure to form working government. In 1843 a new constitution,