Agustín de Iturbide

Definition

Agustín de Iturbide was a Mexican general and politician who played a crucial role in Mexico's struggle for independence from Spanish colonial rule. He became known for his leadership in the final phases of the independence movement and later declared himself Emperor of Mexico in 1822, marking a significant moment in the country's early history as it transitioned from colonial rule to self-governance.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Iturbide initially fought on the side of the Spanish royalists during the Mexican War of Independence but later switched sides to support the insurgent movement.
2. His military strategy and political maneuvers were key to uniting various factions within Mexico, which had been divided by conflicting goals during the independence struggle.
3. The Plan of Iguala, created by Iturbide, was instrumental in securing a broad coalition among various groups, including conservatives and liberals, for Mexico's independence.
4. After declaring himself emperor, Iturbide faced opposition and unrest, leading to his abdication in 1823 and the establishment of a republic.
5. Iturbide's legacy is mixed; while he is celebrated for his role in independence, his brief reign as emperor and subsequent downfall highlight the challenges Mexico faced in establishing stable governance post-independence.

Review Questions

• How did Agustín de Iturbide's military actions contribute to the success of the Mexican War of Independence?
  • Iturbide's shift from supporting Spanish loyalists to joining the independence movement was pivotal. He used his military experience to forge alliances among various insurgent groups and unify their efforts against Spanish rule. His leadership helped to coordinate final military campaigns that ultimately led to Mexico's independence in 1821.
• What were the main provisions of the Plan of Iguala, and how did it reflect Iturbide's vision for post-independence Mexico?
  • The Plan of Iguala included three key principles: Mexico would be an independent nation, all citizens would have equal rights regardless of their social status, and Catholicism would remain the official religion. This plan reflected Iturbide’s desire for a unified country that balanced conservative values with progressive reforms, aiming to bring together diverse factions to support independence.
• Evaluate the impact of Agustín de Iturbide's brief reign as emperor on Mexico's political landscape and its subsequent development as a nation.
  • Iturbide's short reign as emperor highlighted significant struggles within Mexico's political landscape as different factions vied for power. His inability to establish a stable government led to his abdication just one year after declaring himself emperor. This experience revealed the challenges of governance that Mexico faced after gaining independence, paving the way for a series of political upheavals and a shift towards republicanism as leaders worked to define Mexico's identity and political structure.

Related terms

Mexican War of Independence: A revolutionary conflict that lasted from 1810 to 1821, leading to Mexico's independence from Spanish rule.

Plan of Iguala: A political manifesto drafted by Iturbide in 1821 that outlined the goals of the independence movement, emphasizing unity, independence, and equality for all citizens.

First Mexican Empire: The short-lived empire established by Iturbide after he declared himself Emperor of Mexico in 1822, which lasted until his abdication in 1823.