Vicente Guerrero General, Mexican independence fighter Country: Mexico

Biography of Vicente Guerrero

Vicente Guerrero, a general and fighter for the independence of Mexico, led a partisan squad from 1820 onwards, fighting against Spanish conquerors. He advocated for the establishment of a republican form of government after Mexico gained independence in 1821. In 1823, when Agustín de Iturbide declared himself emperor, Guerrero stood against him. He aligned himself with the left wing of the liberals (puros). In early 1829, he was elected president and issued a law abolishing slavery. In December 1829, he was overthrown by conservatives. He retreated to the mountains and continued the struggle. He was captured, taken prisoner, and executed.