Mexican Empire

Short-lived empire 1822-23 following the liberation of Mexico from Spain. The empire lasted only eight months, under the revolutionary leader Agustín de Iturbide.

When the French emperor Napoleon I put his brother Joseph on the Spanish throne in 1808, links between Spain and its colonies weakened and an independence movement grew in Mexico.

There were several unsuccessful uprisings until, in 1821, General Agustín de Iturbide published a plan promising independence, protection for the church, and the establishment of a monarchy. As no European came forward, he proclaimed himself emperor in 1822. Forced to abdicate, he went into exile; on his return to Mexico he was shot by republican leaders Guadalupe Victoria and Santa Anna. Victoria became the first president of Mexico.