Agustín de Iturbide
A royalist general who switched sides to forge Mexico's independence, then briefly ruled as its first emperor before being exiled and executed.
1783–1824 (age 41)·Mexican army general and politician, 1st emperor of Mexico·Birthday: September 27
Biography
Agustín de Iturbide began his career as a fierce officer in the Spanish royal army, ruthlessly suppressing early rebellions in Mexico. His loyalties, however, were complex. In 1820, he dramatically pivoted, issuing the Plan of Iguala which united warring factions under the promise of independence, a Catholic state, and social equality. His Army of the Three Guarantees marched into Mexico City in 1821, ending three centuries of Spanish rule. With no European monarch willing to take the throne, Iturbide was proclaimed Emperor Agustín I in 1822. His reign was short and turbulent, plagued by financial woes and republican opposition. Forced to abdicate less than a year later, he sailed to Europe. A misguided return in 1824 led to his arrest and swift execution by firing squad, cementing his legacy as a flawed but pivotal architect of a nation.
#1 When Agustín Was Born
The biggest hits of 1783
Agustín's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1783Born
1788Started school
1796Became a teenager
1799Could drive
1801Could vote
1804Turned 21
1813Turned 30
1823Turned 40
1824Died at 41
Key Achievements
- Authored the Plan of Iguala in 1821, which unified royalist and insurgent forces under the Three Guarantees of religion, independence, and union.
- Commanded the Army of the Three Guarantees that secured Mexico's definitive independence from Spain in September 1821.
- Served as the first Emperor of Mexico, reigning from May 1822 until his abdication in March 1823.
- Presided over the signing of the Treaty of Córdoba, which formally ended the Mexican War of Independence.
Did You Know?
He was baptized with the lengthy name Agustín Cosme Damián de Iturbide y Arámburu.
Iturbide's remains are interred in the Mexico City Metropolitan Cathedral.
He initially fought against early independence leaders like Miguel Hidalgo and José María Morelos.
His son, Agustín Jerónimo, was offered the crown of Mexico twice in later years but never ruled.
“Independence is for the benefit of all, and all ought to cooperate in its achievement.”
