Agustín de Iturbide

Definition

Agustín de Iturbide was a Mexican army general and politician who played a crucial role in the Mexican War of Independence and later became the first emperor of independent Mexico. His actions were pivotal during the transition from Spanish colonial rule to Mexican sovereignty, as he helped to unify various factions in the independence movement and establish a new government.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Iturbide initially served as a royalist officer but later switched sides to support the independence movement, helping to bring an end to Spanish rule in Mexico.
2. He was instrumental in negotiating the Plan of Iguala, which provided for the independence of Mexico while ensuring protection for the Catholic Church and social equality among Mexicans.
3. After declaring himself emperor in 1822, Iturbide's reign was marked by political instability and resistance from republican factions.
4. His rule lasted only about a year before he was overthrown in early 1823, leading to the establishment of the Mexican Republic.
5. Iturbide's legacy is complex; while he is celebrated for his role in achieving independence, his authoritarian style of governance and short-lived empire led to mixed perceptions of his leadership.

Review Questions

• How did Agustín de Iturbide's military background influence his leadership during the Mexican War of Independence?
  • Agustín de Iturbide's military background played a significant role in shaping his leadership during the Mexican War of Independence. Initially a royalist officer, his experience allowed him to understand military strategy and the complexities of warfare. When he shifted allegiances to support independence, he utilized his knowledge and connections within the army to unite various factions, ultimately leading to a more organized effort against Spanish rule.
• Discuss the impact of the Plan of Iguala on the formation of Mexico as an independent nation under Iturbide's leadership.
  • The Plan of Iguala was pivotal in shaping Mexico's emergence as an independent nation under Iturbide. This plan not only laid out the principles for independence but also aimed to unify disparate groups within Mexican society by emphasizing shared national identity over colonial divisions. By advocating for the protection of Catholicism and promoting social equality among Mexicans, it established a foundation for governance that appealed to both conservative and liberal elements within the country, albeit with limitations that would later lead to conflict.
• Evaluate Agustín de Iturbide's role in the transition from Spanish colonial rule to independent Mexico, considering both his achievements and failures.
  • Agustín de Iturbide's role in transitioning Mexico from Spanish colonial rule to independence was marked by both significant achievements and notable failures. He successfully led military campaigns that united various factions under a common cause, culminating in the declaration of independence in 1821. However, his subsequent decision to declare himself emperor led to political strife and resistance from republican forces, ultimately resulting in his overthrow. This duality highlights how his leadership was critical in gaining independence yet flawed in establishing a sustainable government structure, influencing Mexico's early political landscape.

Related terms

Mexican War of Independence: A conflict that lasted from 1810 to 1821, where various groups fought to liberate Mexico from Spanish colonial rule, ultimately leading to Mexico's independence.

Plan of Iguala: A political manifesto created by Iturbide in 1821 that outlined the principles of independence and sought to unify different factions, establishing the framework for a new Mexican nation.

First Mexican Empire: The short-lived monarchy established by Iturbide in 1822, which marked Mexico's transition from a republic to an empire under his rule.