"
Iturbide—
The Aristocrat Who Made Richer the Poor of Mexico"
By Shep Lenchek
August 2003 Guadalajara-Lakeside Volume 19, Number 12
Historians dismiss Agustin Iturbide with a few lines and most Mexicans
have never heard of him. He deserves better. He cut the chains that
bound Mexico in servitude to Spain. Perhaps historians are uneasy with
him because he proposed an Empire rather than a Republic. In fairness,
we must recognize that except for the United States, in 1820 there were
no Republics anywhere, though in 1792 France had abolished its Monarchy,
but in 1815 Napoleon Bonaparte had been proclaimed their Emperor. Even
when Napoleon was defeated and exiled, it was a Constitutional Monarchy,
not a Republic which succeeded him. Mexico’s debt to Iturbide is
for the Plan of Iguala. It called for an independent Mexico and set
forth principals that were to later become the foundation of the Mexican
Constitution. While Father Hidalgo is credited with launching the drive
for freedom from Spain, his efforts were focused on breaking the hold
of the “born in Spain” Gachupines, who dominated those
of pure Spanish descent, born in the Colony. Called Crioles,
many had achieved financial success but could aspire only to secondary
positions in the government, the Church and the Army. Iturbide’s
career, despite these conditions, marks him as a man of exceptional
ability.
Born in 1783, his father had been born
in Spain. His mother, born in Mexico, was a Criole, as was her
son. But the family was prosperous, owned several haciendas, and came
from distinguished stock. Indeed he was a distant cousin of Fr. Hidalgo.
At the age of 15 he abandoned the study of Latin in a seminary and became
the manager of one of the haciendas. He also launched his military career
in a provincial regiment. In 1810, when Father Hidalgo launched his
insurgency, he implored his cousin to join him as a lieutenant –general,
but without success. In later years Iturbide felt that the program of
the rebels was too destructive and divisive to succeed.
Despite his Criole background
he rose rapidly in the forces loyal to the Crown as they moved against
the rebels. In 1816 he was made a general and given command of the Army
of the North. He became Governor of Guanajuato and Queretaro. Shortly
thereafter, charges of impropriety were brought against him and though
acquitted, he was dismissed from the Army. There can be little doubt
that the “born in Spain” Spaniards were uneasy with a Criole
in so high a position.
Moving to Mexico City, Iturbide became
associated with those dedicated to an independent Mexico. Events in
Spain also contributed to discontent with the status quo. The new Spanish
Constitution of 1812 that promised reforms had been quickly suspended.
In 1820 in Spain, a military revolt led by anti-clerical “Masons”
restored it. It affirmed the supremacy of the Catholic Church but mandated
the suppression of the Jesuits and other religious orders.
In Nueva España, new revolts broke
out. Now the Viceroy recalled Iturbide to the Army, gave him the rank
of Colonel and command over the Army of the South with orders to suppress
the revolt led by Guerrero. Already committed to a coup d’ etat
against the Government, rather than attacking the rebels, Iturbide met
with the rebel leader and convinced him to join him. It was now that
he announced the Plan of Iguala. It called for freedom from Spain, a
provisional government and the ultimate formation of an independent
“Empire of Mexico” with either King Ferdinand VII, who was
considering abdication from the Spanish throne, or some other member
of the Spanish Royal family heading a Constitutional Monarchy.
The plan also proclaimed the supremacy
of the Catholic Church, called for a union between Americans, (those
born in the Colony) Europeans, (those born in Spain) Asians, Africans
and Indians. It also provided for the election of a Congress. The incumbent
Viceroy, Juan de Apadoca, was nominated to head the new government.
He refused the post, sent troops against Iturbide, but to no avail.
Finally, he fled the Colony.
A new Viceroy, Juan O’Donoju took
over. It was he and Iturbide who were the midwives that presided over
the birth of an Independent Mexico. Meeting with Iturbide, he signed
the Treaty of Cordoba in the name of the Crown that clearly established
Mexican independence. Although repudiated by the Spanish Cortes,
it was like locking the barn after the horse is stolen. Though loyalist
troops still offered token resistance, in September 1821 Iturbide and
his army entered the Capital. There is some evidence that he was ready
to give up his command but the junta that ran the country proclaimed
him “General of the Armies” and insisted that he remain the
head of the Regency which awaited the arrival of a new Monarch.
By May of 1822 it was obvious that no
member of the Spanish Royal Family was interested in ruling Mexico.
Additionally, there was a movement to reject the Plan of Iguala. On
May 18th a crowd moved toward Iturbide’s home and shouted “Viva
Agustin I.” Though publicly reluctant, he accepted the throne.
Congress confirmed his status, but after ten turbulent months, he abdicated
and fled the country. Chaos followed. Unaware he had been condemned
to death in absentia, he returned to attempt to restore order,
was arrested and executed.
The first attempt to establish freedom,
led by Father Hidalgo, failed but has been glorified. The second try
led by Agustin Iturbide, succeeded but has been ignored. He deserved
a better fate.