The First Mexican Empire was a short-lived monarchy established in 1821 following Mexico’s War of Independence from Spanish colonial rule. It lasted from 1821 to 1823 and marked a brief period of Mexican history characterized by attempts to establish a stable and independent government.

Key features of the First Mexican Empire include:

1. War of Independence:
   • The movement for Mexican independence from Spanish rule gained momentum in the early 19th century. Inspired by liberal and nationalist ideals, Mexican revolutionaries, including Miguel Hidalgo and José María Morelos, led the struggle for independence.
2. Plan of Iguala and Agustín de Iturbide:
   • The Plan of Iguala, proposed in 1820, called for the establishment of an independent Mexican monarchy. Agustín de Iturbide, a former royalist officer, joined the independence movement and played a crucial role in achieving victory.
3. The Three Guarantees (Trigarante Army):
   • The Plan of Iguala was based on the principles of the “Three Guarantees”: independence, unity, and protection of the rights and privileges of Mexicans, including the Catholic Church. The Trigarante Army, composed of insurgents and royalist troops under Iturbide, achieved military success.
4. Declaration of Independence and Iturbide’s Coronation:
   • On September 27, 1821, the Mexican Empire declared its independence from Spain. Agustín de Iturbide was declared Emperor Agustín I on May 18, 1822, marking the establishment of the First Mexican Empire.
5. Challenges and Opposition:
   • Iturbide’s rule faced challenges, including opposition from republicans who favored a federalist system. Economic difficulties and disagreements over governance further complicated the situation.
6. Abdication of Iturbide and the Republic:
   • Facing internal opposition and external threats, including from the United States, Iturbide abdicated the throne on March 19, 1823. He went into exile, and Mexico transitioned to a federal republic.
7. Legacy:
   • The First Mexican Empire was a short-lived experiment in monarchy that ended with the establishment of the First Mexican Republic in 1823. The period highlighted the challenges of forging a stable and unified nation after gaining independence.
8. Iturbide’s Return and Execution:
   • Agustín de Iturbide returned to Mexico in 1824 and was subsequently arrested. He was tried and convicted, leading to his execution on July 19, 1824.

The First Mexican Empire, despite its brief existence, played a significant role in Mexico’s post-independence history. The transition to a federal republic and subsequent political developments shaped the nation’s trajectory in the years that followed.