The Early Life of Agustin de Iturbide

Agustin de Iturbide was born on September 27, 1783, in Valladolid, Michoacán, in New Spain, which is present-day Morelia, Mexico. He was born into a Spanish Basque family, and from a young age, he showed a strong interest in the military. Iturbide began his military career at the young age of 14 when he joined the royalist army as a cadet.

Iturbide’s Military Career

Iturbide quickly rose through the ranks of the military due to his strategic prowess and leadership skills. He fought in various battles against insurgents who were seeking independence from Spanish rule, including conflicts in the Bajío region and Guerrero. Iturbide gained a reputation for his military acumen and his ability to lead men into battle.

The Three Guarantees

Iturbide is best known for his role in the Mexican War of Independence, where he played a pivotal role in Mexico’s emancipation from Spanish rule. In 1820, Iturbide began to question his loyalty to the Spanish crown and started to consider the idea of Mexican independence. He devised a plan known as the “Plan of Iguala,” which laid out the three guarantees that would form the basis of Mexico’s independence:

• Independence
• Religion
• Union

Iturbide’s plan aimed to unite both royalist and insurgent forces under the banner of these three guarantees to achieve Mexican independence. The plan was met with support from various factions, and Iturbide began his campaign to liberate Mexico from Spanish rule.

The Army of the Three Guarantees

Iturbide’s forces, known as the Army of the Three Guarantees, quickly gained momentum and support as they marched through Mexico, winning decisive victories against the Spanish forces. Iturbide’s leadership and military strategy were instrumental in the success of the independence movement, and on September 27, 1821, Mexico was officially declared independent from Spain.

Crowning of Iturbide as Emperor

After Mexico gained its independence, Iturbide was hailed as a hero and was appointed as the head of the provisional government. In 1822, Iturbide was declared Emperor of Mexico by the newly formed Congress, becoming Emperor Agustín I. Iturbide’s reign as emperor, however, was short-lived, as he faced opposition from various political factions and military leaders.

The Fall of Iturbide

In 1823, Iturbide was forced to abdicate the throne and go into exile in Italy. He attempted to return to Mexico in 1824 to lead a counter-revolution against the republican government but was captured and executed on July 19, 1824. Iturbide’s legacy as the architect of Mexico’s independence is remembered to this day, and he is revered as a hero in Mexican history.