Hashemite
Banned
POD: Agustin I remains emperor of mexico through military power, authoritarian measures, and reforms.
Here are the first parts. Please give CONSTRUCTIVE comments and not "oh youre wrong" or "this is bad":
more later...
Here are the first parts. Please give CONSTRUCTIVE comments and not "oh youre wrong" or "this is bad":
Mexican Independence 1821
Excerpt from: A Brief History of Mexico, Mexico City, 1967
The origin of the idea of Mexican independence came with Father Hidalgo on September 6, 1810 when he delivered the Cry of Dolores. The Spanish colonials executed Hidalgo; however, the country rose in rebellion. The early rebels had problems and suffered many defeats. Finally, Agustin de Iturbide, a Creole officer joined the rebellion, and in 1821 Mexico gained its independence as an independent monarchy. Agustin de Iturbide, to whom the country owes its freedom, wanted a European monarch to rule Mexico. He turned to the defeated King of Spain, Ferdinand. However, Ferdinand refused and finally Iturbide proclaimed himself Emperor Agustin I in 1822.
The Early Reign of Agustin I 1822-1825
Excerpt from: Founding the State 1822-1855, Mexico City, 1996
Emperor Agustin I, a firm conservator and believer of the divine right of kings, ruled as an absolute monarch for the first two years of his reign (1822-1823). After a failed military coup in March 1823, Agustin I's position was in danger. He turned to Valentin Gomez Farias, his advisor. He decided to re-establish the dissolved Congress and write a constitution. In 1824, he drafted the Constitution of 1824, which established a Congress and assured rights such as freedom of worship. The constitution, however, did not mention freedom of speech and press. The constitution tried to establish a democracy, but in practice, Iturbide retained final power.
The 1826 Riots
Excerpt from: Early Riots in Mexico, Richmond, CSA, 1956
In 1825, after high inflation of the Peso and food shortages, the province of Texas and Chihuahua rose in revolt. Soon, other provinces joined the rebellion and held hostage government employees in the capital and in other cities. Emperor Agustin I's troops were called in to restore order. In June 1826, Imperial troops met with the rebels in Guadalajara. Rebel troops, led by Republican Guadalupe Victoria were defeated and forced to retreat back towards their positions in Monterrey and Chihuahua. Finally, in October 1826, Emperor Agustin I ended the rebellion by lowering food prices, demanding new farms to be built, and re-evaluating the Peso as the New Peso. The rebels were pardoned, except for leader Guadalupe Hidalgo who was executed.
Foreign Problems
Excerpt from: Relations between the USA and Mexico, Philadelphia USA, 1979
After independence in 1821, the USA was the first country to recognize Mexico. Emperor Agustin I entertained friendly relations with the White House until the US moved 200,000 settlers into Texas illegally. Mexico denounced the action, and sent troops to Texas. The 200,000 settlers were forced out and relations with the US deteriorated. The US insisted that Texas be de-militarized and open to colonization. Agustin I refused and started to build up the army. At the same time, Emperor Agustin I received the support of military general Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna, who was convinced of the empire's power during the rebellion. With Santa Anna in place as General and Minister of Defense and War, Agustin I could consider himself ready for war.
The Era of Reforms
Excerpt from: Reforms of Agustin Iturbide, Mexico City, 2002
With a strong military, and the people under his iron fist, Agustin I insisted on reforms, to keep power. In 1828, he reformed the education system and opened male and female schools in every district. He incited people to go to school and educate themselves. In 1830, he created hospitals in major cities, and hired European and American doctors. In 1835, he reformed the social classes and allowed every Mexican to hold office. This move, popular among peasants, was unpopular among fellow Creoles, who controlled the government. In 1837, he created a central bank in Mexico, in 1838, he created a regular police and security service, and finally in 1840, he launched a plan leading to industrialization of the cities, and the construction of better roads, on the model of the US.
more later...