First Mexican Empire (1822-1823)
After Mexico's independence, there was no clear plan for governance. Many conservatives wanted a monarchy, while liberals preferred a republic. In 1822, Agustín de Iturbide, a leader of the independence movement, declared himself Emperor Agustín I. • His rule was short-lived, as many opposed his authoritarian leadership and economic policies. • In 1823, he was overthrown by republican leaders, including Antonio López de Santa Anna. • Mexico then became a republic, and Guadalupe Victoria was elected as its first president in 1824.
