Army of the Three Guarantees

The Army of the Three Guarantees was a pivotal force in Mexican history, instrumental in achieving independence from Spain in 1821. This army was formed through an alliance between Agustín de Iturbide, a former royalist officer, and Vicente Guerrero, a leader of the insurgent movement.1

The army's platform, known as the Iguala Plan, was based on three core guarantees:
* Immediate independence from Spain.1
* Equality between Spaniards and Creoles (people of Spanish descent born in Mexico).1
* The supremacy of Roman Catholicism, with a ban on other religions.1

This plan garnered broad support from various influential groups, including conservatives who feared liberal reforms in Spain and sought to maintain the existing social and economic order. The Army of the Three Guarantees quickly gained control of the country, leading to Spain's recognition of Mexican independence through the Treaty of Córdoba. Iturbide subsequently declared himself emperor of Mexico, though his reign was short-lived.231