Agustín de Iturbide

A royalist general who crushed rebellions, then became the man who achieved independence, and then emperor for less than a year.

Life

Royalist officer

Iturbide was a Creole officer. In the early years of the War of Independence he fought on Spain's side, suppressing the rebel armies of Hidalgo and Morelos.

Plan of Iguala

In 1820 a liberal revolution broke out in Spain, and the conservative elite of New Spain feared that reforms would reach the Church and their privileges. Iturbide negotiated with the rebel leader Guerrero and in 1821 issued the Plan of Iguala, proposing the "Three Guarantees" of independence, Catholicism and equality among all ethnic groups. That same year he entered Mexico City, and Mexico became independent.

Short-lived emperor

In 1822 he was proclaimed Emperor Agustín I, but his autocratic rule provoked opposition, and in 1823 he was forced to abdicate and went into exile in Europe. When he returned to Mexico in 1824 he was arrested and executed.

Legacy

Iturbide achieved Mexico's independence, but his path from suppressor of the insurgents to independence leader has given him a complicated reputation in Mexican history.

Major works & achievements

• Plan of Iguala

Did you know? The green, white and red of the Mexican flag come from the flag of the Army of the Three Guarantees that he proposed.

Key dates

• 1810Fights on the royalist side
• 1821Issues the Plan of Iguala; Mexico's independence
• 1822Proclaimed Emperor
• 1823Abdication and exile
• 1824Executed after returning home