Vicente Guerrero

Vicente Ramón Guerrero Saldaña was a pivotal military officer and statesman in Mexican history. He served as a key general during the Mexican War of Independence against Spanish rule. Later, he became the second president of Mexico in 1829. Guerrero is remembered for his commitment to social equality and his efforts to expand rights to marginalized groups.

Guerrero was born in 1782 in Tixtla, a town located about 100 kilometers inland from Acapulco. His father, Juan Pedro Guerrero, ran a successful business using mules to transport freight. This work allowed Vicente to travel extensively across the diverse regions of Mexico. Through these travels, he encountered emerging ideas regarding independence and dissent against the Spanish colonial government. His background also included connections to the Spanish militia and local trades like gunsmithing.

Guerrero possessed unique skills that made him an effective leader among diverse populations. He was able to speak both Spanish and Nahuatl, which is an Indigenous language. This ability allowed him to communicate directly with the people of Tixtla. During the revolution, he often relied on the support of Indigenous communities. Historians note that his ability to interact with these groups was a major factor in his success. He even argued in 1815 that citizenship should be extended to Indigenous people to create a larger, free society.

His military career began in earnest in November 1810 when he joined the insurgent army. He fought under the leadership of the priest José María Morelos. Guerrero quickly proved his talent for military strategy during the Battle of Zitlala. By 1812, he had achieved the rank of lieutenant colonel. When Morelos was captured and executed in 1815, Guerrero became a vital leader of the resistance. He utilized guerrilla warfare, which involves small, mobile groups using surprise tactics to fight a larger enemy.

Guerrero remained a persistent force even when the Spanish government offered amnesty to other rebels. He refused to surrender and continued successful campaigns in southern Mexico. In 1820, he faced Agustín de Iturbide, who was then commanding royalist forces. Guerrero’s military success against Iturbide led to a strategic stalemate. This prompted Guerrero to propose an alliance to achieve full independence. The two leaders eventually joined forces under the Plan de Iguala.

The Plan de Iguala established the Army of the Three Guarantees. This plan called for Mexican independence, a constitutional monarchy, and the protection of the Catholic Church. Crucially, it sought to abolish the formal casta system, which was a method of racial classification used by the Spanish. Guerrero fought to ensure that all people, regardless of African, European, or Indigenous origins, were recognized as citizens. Their combined forces marched into Mexico City on September 27, 1821, marking the end of the war.

Guerrero’s political life was defined by his liberal convictions and his support for the York Rite Masons. This group advocated for a broad range of people, contrasting with the more conservative Scottish Rite Masons. During the highly partisan election of 1828, Guerrero campaigned for universal suffrage. This is the idea that all adults should have the right to vote. Although Manuel Gómez Pedraza won the election, a rebellion led by Antonio López de Santa Anna helped place Guerrero in the presidency.

As president, Guerrero made significant changes to Mexican law. Most notably, he worked to abolish slavery in the nation. He continued to advocate for political opportunities for all citizens, regardless of their wealth or race. However, his presidency faced intense opposition from conservative factions. In 1830, he was deposed from power by a rebellion led by his own vice-president, Anastasio Bustamante. Despite his removal from office, Guerrero remains a central figure in the history of Mexican democracy and civil rights.