summary

        mexico gained its independence from spain in 182, and that made new mexico part of the mexico republic. There were new policies, the most notable was one that encouraged trade with americans,. this was different because while under spain, they were restricted to trade within their own communities and not with foreigners. this somewhat brought new life to the santa fe trail. It was now used by "mountain men" or fur traders, and many other merchants.  However, new mexico became vulnerable to hostile indian tribes because it was very isolated and ignored by the central government.
       in 1836 the mexican republic sent Albino Perez to new mexico to become governor and employ a new government. but right from the start perez was faced with oppositions from the new mexican people. this happened for a few reasons, one being the fact that ever since 1821 almost all of new mexico's governors had been native new mexicans. the other being the fact that Perez had made plans for new, higher taxes. The conflict between Perez and the people escalated so highly that there was a revolt.  Perez and his men tried to fight them off, but they were overwhelmed. So, they retreated. but Perez was later caught and beheaded. But, the rebels did not manage to establish a new government because a group of dragoons from mexico arrived and the revolt ended violently
   on may 13, 1846, the U.S. congress declared war on mexico. it ended up being a bloodless conquest of new mexico. soon later another revolt broke out, but the american military reacted quickly and took control. nearly two dozen new mexicans were executed

source: http://www.nmgs.org/artcuar5.htm