Guadalupe Victoria

Guadalupe Victoria was a Mexican general and politician who fought for independence against the Spanish Empire in the Mexican War of Independence and after the adoption of the Constitution of 1824, was elected as the first president of the United Mexican States. He joined the independence movement in 1812, under the leadership of José María Morelos, and participated in several battles and campaigns. After Morelos' death, he continued the guerrilla warfare in Veracruz and Puebla, until he joined forces with Vicente Guerrero and Agustín de Iturbide in 1821. He opposed Iturbide's imperial ambitions and supported the Plan of Casa Mata, which led to Iturbide's abdication in 1823. He then became a member of the Supreme Executive Power, a provisional government that ruled until the establishment of the federal republic in 1824. He was elected as the first president of Mexico by the constituent congress, and took office on October 10, 1824. His presidency was marked by political and economic difficulties, as well as foreign threats from Spain and the United States. He faced several rebellions and conspiracies, including one led by his vice president, Nicolás Bravo, in 1827. He also had to deal with the secession of Central America from Mexico in 1823, and the Texas Revolution in 1835. He managed to maintain the stability and unity of the country, and established diplomatic relations with many foreign nations. He also promoted education, public works, and the colonization of the northern territories. He left office on March 31, 1829, and retired to his hacienda in Veracruz. He died of epilepsy in 1843, and his remains were transferred to the Column of Independence in Mexico City in 1925.