MONARCHICAL NATION PROJECT: PROPOSALS, ACTORS, BENEFICIARIES - HISTORY - 2025

The project of a monarchical nation that took place in Mexico in the 19th century was a proposal made by the Spanish with the support of some Creoles living in America, who advocated that the Mexican Empire be led by a representative of the House of Bourbons that would continue the guidelines of Fernando VII.

Monarchy is understood as the systems of government that concentrate the absolute power of a nation in a single person. It is generally a king, assigned by hereditary character. Although today the political system that prevails in Mexico is not republican, there was a monarchy after independence from the Spanish Empire was achieved.

Agustín de Iturbide, Emperor of Mexico

After the struggles in favor of Independence in Mexico - started in 1810 with the so-called "Grito de Dolores" and culminated on September 27, 1821 - a monarchy was what replaced the old Spanish regime in Mexico.

Economic, social and political context

Economic context

After achieving independence, the people clamored for the transformation of the country into a republic. Most of the population did not have land or resources for its production, the haciendas could barely generate raw material to maintain or export.

In the middle of the crisis there was great inflation and the currency was devalued. The government was forced to take out forced loans, jeopardizing the security of the country.

Social context

The situation was unstable, especially for the lower classes. After 10 years of war, gold and silver mining - which had boomed in the past - was inactive. Some mines were destroyed during the independence struggles and, in other cases, the workers had decided to fight and abandon them.

In the framework of these events, a large part of the Spaniards residing and enriched in Mexican territory returned to Europe, taking large amounts of Mexican capital with them. What little was left in the nation was not invested in income-generating activities, but used to pay soldiers and bureaucrats.

The practice of agriculture declined and, as a consequence, food and livestock were scarce and their costs were high.

During the war, the destruction, burning and even murder of the landowners were frequent practices. In this sense, recovering the production of the land in a devastated country was not an easy task.

Political context

In the political sphere, society was also divided. On the one hand, there were those who wanted to abolish the previous system of government so that social classes could organize and form their own laws, consistent with the country's shortcomings (liberals).

On the other hand, there was a more powerful group that wanted to take political control and cling to the traditional system of the European colonies (conservatives).

Government system proposals

Proposals for the new post-independence government system were at odds. The middle social class and the liberal groups were represented mostly by mestizos and some Creoles, and they did not agree with the monarchical form of government that would be implemented.

His ideas were oriented towards the incorporation of a system committed to social justice and the empowerment of the economy through work.

Mexicans should enjoy equal rights and duties, without racial exclusions. The rejection of the lower and indigenous classes was very notable and there was a huge gap with the Church, which had large possessions. Furthermore, Spain still refused to recognize the independence of Mexico in the Vatican.

Main actors

To formalize the independence efforts and the new monarchy, Agustín de Iturbide and Juan O'Donojú signed the Córdoba treaties in the well-known Plan of Iguala. They summoned the King of Spain Fernando VII to be crowned in the nascent Mexican Empire.

If he did not accept or resign from the position, the alternative was to replace him with another member of the Spanish Crown. If there was a ruling in any of the cases, a provisional board would be formed to choose the monarch within Mexican territory.

Thus, in 1822, Iturbide was crowned in a ceremonial act in the metropolitan cathedral. Furthermore, it was decided that the Mexican monarchy would be hereditary; therefore, the next to the Crown after the death of Iturbide would be his eldest son.

Mexico went from the Spanish monarchy to a Creole monarchy that was oblivious to the needs of the people.

Main beneficiaries

The general Mexican sentiment before the establishment of the monarchical system was one of frustration and despair. Their struggles for independence had been in vain. They culminated in negotiations that only favored the same ruling and powerful classes of the past.

Iturbide was influenced by the politics of Spain and wanted the same line of government in Mexico, so he had the support of the Spanish, the clergy and the majority of the Creoles.

This meant the loss of control of the Conservatives over Mexico. Congress and the monarchy began to disagree and insurrectionary voices emerged that were censored with jail, among them Fray Servando Teresa de Mier and Carlos María de Bustamante stand out. This action generated distrust and discomfort in the population.

The irritation and protests of the people were supported by figures such as Vicente Guerrero and Guadalupe Victoria.

Iturbide, seeing himself cornered by the divergent opinions of Congress, decides to dissolve it and establish a National Institutes Board.

Fall of the Iturbide empire

Iturbide's attempts to stay in power were futile. Rebel groups led by Antonio López de Santa Anna were already organized in 1823.

Santa Anna was influenced by the republican ideas of Bustamante and was supported by large armed groups that did not sympathize with the Iturbide empire. In Veracruz he proclaimed that Mexico should be a republic and started the revolt. Vicente guerrero and Guadalupe Victoria joined this cause.

To respond to the Santa Anna attack, Iturbide appointed José Antonio Echávarri to ensure the security of the Empire. However, Echávarri's objective was different; he felt identified with the ideas of Santa Anna, so he ended up being part of the rebellion.

Finally, Santa Anna and his allies signed the Casa Mata Plan. In this plan they demanded, among other things, to form a new Congress. The conflict between the Empire and the republican armed group ended with Iturbide's exile from the throne and from the Mexican territory to Europe.

Upon his later return he was arrested and shot. The monarchical government had failed. For the first time, Mexico would not be under the regime of a Crown.

References

1. De la Torre Villar, Ernesto (1982). Mexican independence. Mexico. Fund of Economic Culture.
2. Mayer, E. (2012). Mexico after independence. Dr. E's Social Science E-zine. Recovered from: emayzine.com
3. Projects of the nation, (2013) Recovered from: mexicoensusinicios.blogspot.com
4. Monarchical nation project, (2012) Recovered from: projectdenacionequipo2.blogspot.com
5. Ramos Pérez, Demetrio and others. America in the 19th century. Madrid.