Vicente II
Emperor
Vicente Iturbide Guerrero was Emperor of Mexico from the age of 16 until his death in 1865. The son of Empress Maria Dolores Guerrero and Leader of the Conservative Opposition Augustin Jerome Iturbide, his birth was initially hailed as a union between the two opposing factions. However, his father's defeat at the hands of his mother further political turmoil. His mother served as regent until Vicente came of age, from which point he ascended the throne. He married Princess Maria von Lexington of America in 1849, and the couple had three sons, Antonio, Hector, and Miguel.
In 1841, the state of Yucatan had declared independence as a republic. Vicente's mother and regents attempted to negotiate re-entry into the Empire, but to no avail. Upon Vicente's ascension, he was requested by the government of the Yucatan to suppress a native uprising. Vicente entered the republic, suppressed the rebellion, and continued to overthrow the republican government. He then again annexed the region back into the empire.
In 1846, the states of Central America attempted to secede as an independent confederation. However, Vicente issued a nationwide conscription and brutally suppressed the rebellion. The nature of the suppression greatly diminished his standing among the Mexican people.
In 1852, Vicente pressed claims over British Honduras as an extension of Central America. Britain refused, but Vicente threatened war. Though a conflict never arose, Vicente's insistence caused rifts in Mexican foreign policy.
Rumors surrounded the sanity of Vicente, with the most extreme including cannibalism and satanic rituals. These rumors are believed to be stoked by republican opposition believed to be supported by Gran Colombia. Matters were not helped when he invaded the regions of Guatemala and brutally suppressed a rebellion. The rumors coalesced in the overthrow and eventual execution of almost the entire Imperial Family in 1865, with only Miguel surviving.The children's song, The Madman on the Throne, is attributed to the supposed insanity.
Social
Reign
1845 - 1865
Family Ties
Relationships
Honorary & Occupational Titles
Life
1829
1865
36 years old
Family
Spouses
Maria
(Wife)
Siblings
Children
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