🇲🇽El Primer IMPERIO MEXICANO 1821-1823-Historia//Agustín de Iturbide y el Imperio Mexicano.

Summary

The video discusses the history of Mexico's First Empire, established after the country's independence from Spain in 1821. Led by Agustín de Iturbide, it became one of Latin America's two monarchies, alongside Brazil. The empire spanned a vast territory but faced internal strife, economic difficulties, and political instability, which led to its downfall in 1823. Iturbide's reign was marked by conflict with both Spanish forces and republican factions. The video explores key events and the empire's rapid collapse, offering insights into its historical significance.

Takeaways

• 🇲🇽 Mexico declared independence from Spain in 1821 and became a monarchy, establishing the First Mexican Empire.
• 👑 The empire was one of only two monarchies in Latin America at the time, the other being Brazil.
• 🌍 At its peak, the First Mexican Empire spanned over 4.9 million square kilometers, extending from present-day Oregon to Costa Rica.
• ⚔️ Agustín de Iturbide, initially a royalist general, switched sides and led the independence movement, proclaiming the Plan of Iguala in 1821.
• 💂 Iturbide formed the Army of the Three Guarantees and successfully captured Mexico City, sealing the independence of Mexico.
• 👑 Despite efforts to bring a European monarch, none accepted the Mexican throne, leading to Iturbide being crowned Emperor in 1822.
• ⚖️ Political instability plagued the empire, with factions supporting monarchy, republicanism, and foreign rule, leading to internal conflict.
• 💰 The empire faced a severe economic crisis due to 11 years of war, making it difficult to stabilize or grow the nation.
• ⚔️ Iturbide's regime was short-lived, as Antonio López de Santa Anna and Vicente Guerrero led a rebellion, ultimately deposing Iturbide in 1823.
• 💥 After the fall of the First Empire, Mexico transitioned into a republic, and Iturbide was executed in 1824 after attempting to return.

Q & A

What was unique about Mexico's decision after gaining independence compared to other Latin American nations?

Unlike most Latin American nations that opted for republics, Mexico chose to become a monarchy, establishing the First Mexican Empire in 1821.

What territories did the First Mexican Empire encompass at its height?

The First Mexican Empire covered over 4.9 million square kilometers, extending from Oregon in present-day USA to Bocas del Toro in Costa Rica. It included territories like modern-day Mexico, Central America (except Panama), and parts of the southern United States.

What role did Agustín de Iturbide play in Mexico's independence and subsequent monarchy?

Agustín de Iturbide initially fought for the Spanish Crown but later switched sides to support Mexican independence. He proclaimed the Plan of Iguala in 1821, forming the Army of the Three Guarantees and leading to the establishment of the First Mexican Empire. He became its first emperor in 1822.

Why did the First Mexican Empire collapse so quickly?

The empire collapsed due to internal political instability, economic crises following the War of Independence, conflicts with Spain, and growing republican opposition. Agustín de Iturbide dissolved the congress, leading to rebellion by figures like Antonio López de Santa Anna, ultimately forcing Iturbide to abdicate.

What were the four principles of the Plan of Iguala, which was instrumental in Mexico's independence?

The Plan of Iguala established four key principles: 1) Mexico's independence, 2) the maintenance of the Spanish monarchy under Ferdinand VII or another European royal, 3) Catholicism as the state religion, and 4) the unity of all social classes in Mexico.

How did Spain react to Mexico's offer of the throne to Ferdinand VII or another European monarch?

Spain, refusing to recognize Mexico's independence, rejected the offer for Ferdinand VII or any European monarch to take the Mexican throne. This rejection caused divisions between monarchists and republicans in Mexico.

How did Agustín de Iturbide become the emperor of Mexico?

After Spain refused to provide a monarch for Mexico, support for Agustín de Iturbide grew among monarchists. He was crowned as Emperor Agustín I on July 21, 1822, in Mexico City’s cathedral.

What challenges did the Mexican Empire face immediately after its formation?

The empire faced economic challenges due to the devastation caused by the 11-year War of Independence. Politically, it was unstable with factions pushing for a republic, while Spanish forces still occupied the fortress of San Juan de Ulúa. Additionally, Central American provinces began to rebel.

What was the Plan of Casa Mata and how did it contribute to the fall of the empire?

The Plan of Casa Mata, led by Antonio López de Santa Anna and supported by figures like Vicente Guerrero, sought to restore the congress that Iturbide had dissolved and to declare the end of the empire. This rebellion led to the abdication of Iturbide and the dissolution of the empire in 1823.

What happened to Iturbide after he was forced to abdicate and leave Mexico?

After abdicating, Iturbide went into exile in Europe. He returned to Mexico in 1824, believing Spain would try to reconquer the country. However, upon his arrival, he was arrested and executed as a traitor under a decree passed earlier that year.