First Mexican Empire

The First Mexican Empire was a constitutional monarchy and the first independent government of Mexico, existing from 1821 to 1823. It was the only former viceroyalty of the Spanish Empire to establish a monarchy after gaining independence. Led by Agustín de Iturbide, who ruled as Agustín I, the empire was founded on May 19, 1822, following the Plan of Iguala and the Treaty of Córdoba. Its brief existence was marked by disputes over legitimacy, conflicts between the Congress and the emperor, and a bankrupt treasury. Iturbide dissolved Congress in October 1822 but lost army support, leading to his abdication on March 19, 1823, and the establishment of a republican provisional government.