Guadalupe Victoria Mexican politician Date of Birth: 29.09.1786 Country: Mexico

1. Early Life and Education
2. The Struggle for Independence
3. Guerrilla Warfare and Persecution
4. The Road to Presidency
5. The First Presidency of Mexico
6. A Legacy of Reconciliation and Reform
7. Political Turmoil and a Calm Departure

Early Life and Education

Guadalupe Victoria was born on September 29, 1786, in the town of Tamazula, which was later renamed Tamazula de Victoria in his honor. His parents were Manuel Fernández and Alejandra Félix. He studied at the seminary in Durango before pursuing law at the College of San Ildefonso in Mexico City.

The Struggle for Independence

In 1811, after Miguel Hidalgo's call to arms against Spanish rule, Victoria abandoned his studies to join the ranks of the revolutionary insurgents. He fought under the leadership of José María Morelos during the War of Independence. In 1812, he distinguished himself in battle in Oaxaca, leading an attack against royalist forces and inspiring the rebel troops to victory. His actions earned him the command of the rebel forces in Veracruz. In 1814, he was appointed Brigadier General by the Chilpancingo Congress.

Guerrilla Warfare and Persecution

Victoria suffered his first major defeat in 1815. In 1816, he attacked the new Viceroy, Juan Ruiz de Apodaca's, escort on its way to the capital, nearly capturing the Viceroy himself. Victoria's forces controlled the state of Veracruz until their defeat in 1817. Afterward, his operations were confined to a narrow strip between the coast north of the port of Veracruz and the Huatusco Mountains, where he faced relentless persecution and was forced to hide in the jungle.

The Road to Presidency

In 1821, Agustín de Iturbide and Vicente Guerrero proclaimed the "Plan of Iguala," which called for independence and the protection of religion and the monarchy. Victoria, a staunch republican, opposed Iturbide's plans and was imprisoned. However, he escaped and returned to the jungle. In December 1822, Victoria and Antonio López de Santa Anna signed the "Plan of Casa Mata," which overthrew the monarchy and established a republic.

The First Presidency of Mexico

Victoria was elected to the governing triumvirate with Nicolás Bravo and Pedro Celestino Negrete, which governed from March 31, 1823, to October 10, 1824. In July 1824, he led Veracruz troops in the fight against Spanish forces at the fortress of San Juan de Ulúa. In 1824, Victoria was elected the first President of independent Mexico.

A Legacy of Reconciliation and Reform

Victoria faced significant challenges as President, with the war-ravaged country facing financial instability and a bloated military. His key policies included centralizing government finances, abolishing slavery, promoting education, and establishing diplomatic relations with foreign powers. He also created a Mexican navy and successfully ended the Spanish presence in Mexico.

Political Turmoil and a Calm Departure

Victoria pursued a policy of reconciliation, involving representatives from different political factions. However, old conflicts resurfaced. He defended freedom of speech and the press, confronting the influence of the aristocratic "Scottish Lodge" and the liberal "York Lodge." He also faced Spanish resistance and the threat of invasion. In 1829, Victoria handed over the presidency to Vicente Guerrero and retired to his hacienda in Veracruz. He later participated in several peace missions and died on March 21, 1843, from epilepsy. He was named a National Hero by Congress and his remains now rest at the base of the Column of Independence on the Paseo de la Reforma.