Guatemala, Under Iturbide Empire, 1 Real – 1822

Description

The Riego coup in Spain made Mexican elites fear a loss of privileges, which made them conclude the need for independence. Viceroy Juan José Ruiz de Apodaca, who was also opposed to the constitution of Cádiz, appointed Agustín de Iturbide as responsible for the southern armies. But Iturbide already had independence in mind, and he agreed with Guerrero on the Iguala plan. They finally achieved independence in 1822 with the treaties of Córdoba.

Shortly after managing to establish the empire under his command, Iturbide manages to incorporate the Central American provinces, in an attempt to counteract the power of the United States with a united Catholic empire.

The empire was ephemeral, since in 1823, due to internal and external pressure, Iturbide abdicated and went into exile. Mexico became a republic, and the Central American provinces decided to become independent under the United Provinces of Central America in July 1823.

Iturbide’s brief reign as emperor left a mark on Mexican history, not only for his role in independence, but also for the lessons learned about the need to build a political system that could consolidate unity and stability in the country. .