First Mexican Empire (Imperio Mexicano) (sep 28, 1821 – mar 19, 1823)

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The Mexican Empire (Spanish: Imperio Mexicano, pronounced [ĩmˈpeɾjo mexiˈkano]) was a constitutional monarchy, the first independent government of Mexico and the only former colony of the Spanish Empire to establish a monarchy after independence. It is one of the few modern era, independent monarchies that have existed in the Americas along with the Brazilian Empire and the two Haitian Empires.

Agustín de Iturbide, the sole monarch of the empire, was originally a Mexican military commander under whose leadership independence from Spain was gained in September 1821. His popularity culminated in mass demonstrations on May 18, 1822 in favor of making him Emperor of the new nation, and the very next day congress hastily approved the matter. A sumptuous coronation ceremony followed in July.

The empire was plagued throughout its short existence by questions about its legality, conflicts between congress and the emperor, and a bankrupt treasury. Iturbide shut down Congress in October 1822, and by December of that year had begun to lose support of the army which revolted in favor of restoring Congress. After failing to put down the revolt, Iturbide reconvened Congress in March, 1823 and offered his abdication, upon which power passed over to a Provisional Government which would ultimately abolish the monarchy.

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