Agustín de Iturbide y Green

Prince Yturbide

Agustín de Iturbide y Green (2 April 1863 – 3 March 1925) was a notable figure in Mexican history, primarily recognized for his unique position as the adopted grandson of Agustín de Iturbide, the first Emperor of Mexico. His life story intertwines with the political and social upheavals of Mexico during the 19th and early 20th centuries, reflecting the complexities of Mexican identity and the nation's monarchical ambitions.

Early Life

Agustín de Iturbide y Green was born in Washington, D.C., United States, to Alice Green, an American woman, and Ángel de Iturbide, the son of Agustín de Iturbide, Emperor of Mexico. His birth linked him to both American and Mexican heritage, setting the stage for a life caught between two cultures. Following the death of his father, Agustín was adopted by his grandfather's widow, Empress Ana María, who saw in him a potential heir to the Mexican throne.

Adoption and Claim to the Throne

In 1865, the Mexican monarchy, under the rule of Emperor Maximilian I, was seeking to solidify its legitimacy. The Empress Consort, Carlota, persuaded Maximilian to adopt Agustín and his cousin Salvador as his heirs, in an attempt to establish a dynastic succession that would appeal to both Mexican monarchists and the influential Iturbide family. This adoption granted Agustín the title of "Prince of Iturbide," a designation that placed him in the heart of Mexican politics and monarchical ambitions.

Life in Exile and Education

The fall of the Mexican Empire in 1867 forced Agustín and his family into exile. He spent much of his early life in the United States and Europe, receiving an education that prepared him for a diplomatic career. Despite his royal lineage, Agustín's life in exile was marked by financial difficulties and a struggle to reclaim his family's lost properties and status in Mexico.

Return to Mexico

Agustín de Iturbide y Green returned to Mexico in the late 19th century, during a period of profound political change. The era of the Porfiriato, under President Porfirio Díaz, was characterized by modernization efforts and a centralization of power. Iturbide y Green's return was met with interest by those who romanticized Mexico's imperial past, but he found himself a man out of time, unable to reclaim the influence his family once wielded.

Later Years and Legacy

In his later years, Agustín de Iturbide y Green dedicated himself to writing and teaching. He became a respected academic, contributing to the understanding of Mexico's imperial history. His publications, including memoirs and historical analyses, offer insight into the life of a man who bridged two worlds, embodying the complexities of Mexican identity.

Agustín de Iturbide y Green died in 1925, leaving behind a legacy intertwined with the history of Mexico's brief experiment with monarchy. His life story is a testament to the enduring impact of the Iturbide family on Mexican history and the nation's ongoing struggle to define its identity.

See Also

• History of Mexico
• Mexican Empire
• Monarchy in Mexico