Agustín de Iturbide: Architect of Mexican Independence & Brief Emperor

Agustín de Iturbide (1783–1824) was the pivotal military-political figure who delivered Mexican independence and briefly ruled as Emperor — while inadvertently triggering Central America's separate sovereignty.

Mexico's Independence (1821)

1. Plan of Iguala (Feb 1821): Iturbide (royalist officer) + Vicente Guerrero (insurgent) unite. Three Guarantees: Independence, Religion (Catholic), Union (equality).
2. Army of the Three Guarantees: Sweeps country. Royalists defect en masse.
3. Treaty of Córdoba (Aug 1821): Iturbide + Viceroy O'Donojú recognize independence under Plan.
4. Sept 27, 1821: Triumphant entry into Mexico City. Independence achieved.

Central America: The Failed Union

1. 1821 (Sept 15): Captaincy General of Guatemala (Chiapas, Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Costa Rica) declares independence from Spain.
2. 1822 (Jan): Iturbide pressures / invites annexation to Mexican Empire. Some elites accept (conservative, fear liberal Guatemala).
3. 1822–23: Iturbide's authoritarian rule (dissolves Congress, arrests deputies) alienates Central Americans.
4. 1823 (Mar): Iturbide overthrown (Plan of Casa Mata — Santa Anna, Guadalupe Victoria). Mexican Empire collapses.
5. July 1, 1823: Central America declares absolute independence from Mexico → United Provinces of Central America (federal republic).
6. 1838–40: Federation dissolves into 5 sovereign states (Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Costa Rica).

Iturbide's End

• Exiled to Europe. Returns 1824 (unauthorized), captured, executed by firing squad (July 19, 1824).
• Remains later interred in Mexico City Cathedral (1838) — "Libertador."

Iturbide gave Mexico independence without a protracted war (unlike South America). His imperial overreach lost Central America — but that loss birthed five nations. A paradoxical founder.