Iturbide Leads Triumph into Mexico City
Agustín de Iturbide led the Army of the Three Guarantees into Mexico City, marking the culmination of the Mexican War of Independence. The triumphant entry was a moment of celebration for the soldiers and citizens alike, symbolizing the end of Spanish colonial rule. This procession included military figures, citizens, and banners of the new united cause. The day after this grand entrance, Mexico was officially declared an independent nation, signifying a new chapter in its historical narrative.
Agustín de Iturbide led the army's march.
The event marked Mexico's formal independence.
The Plan of Iguala included three key guarantees.
The entry united various factions into a common cause.
What Happened?
The Army of the Three Guarantees, commanded by Agustín de Iturbide, made a historic entrance into Mexico City, bringing with it a wave of hope and change. This army, formed by an alliance of different factions—royalists, revolutionaries, and a diverse array of colonial forces—was dedicated to establishing a new framework of governance that embraced the ideals of independence and unity. The march culminated on the bustling streets of Mexico City, where banners fluttered, firearms discharged in salute, and crowds gathered in exuberance to witness the momentous occasion.
Iturbide's strategy to secure independence from Spain began with the Plan of Iguala, which proposed three guarantees: immediate independence, equal rights for all Mexicans, and the establishment of a constitutional monarchy. The successful negotiation and collaboration among former rivals led to this victory. The event's significance was magnified by the celebrations that filled the city upon the arrival of the army, with citizens hopeful for a brighter future.
On the following day, the decree declaring Mexico's independence from Spanish rule was officially announced. This not only consolidated the various efforts of the independence movement but also brought a sense of legitimacy to the new governance under Iturbide. This key moment in history united groups that had previously been at odds, laying the groundwork for the emergence of Mexico as an independent nation with its own identity.
Why Does it Matter?
The entry of the Army of the Three Guarantees into Mexico City is significant as it symbolizes the successful end of the struggle for independence from colonial rule. This victory reshaped Mexico's identity, transforming it from a colonial territory to a sovereign nation. The atmosphere of unity created during this time inspired future leaders and movements, influencing the trajectory of politics and governance in Mexico for generations to come.