Today in Latino history: Mexico becomes a republic

On October 4, 1824, Mexico became a republic. An excerpt from the article:

"On Oct. 4, 1824, three years after winning independence from Spain and battling the remnants of monarchy, the Mexican people established a republic. In its new constitution, the republic took the name of United Mexican States (Estados Unidos Mexicanos), and was defined as a representative federal republic.

A decade-long revolution against Spanish colonial rule had achieved independence for Mexico in 1821. Gen. Agustin de Iturbide, who had fought on both sides in the revolution and was basically a royalist, took power in the new government. After a series of maneuvers with Spain, Iturbide was declared emperor of Mexico. He silenced dissent and filled his government with corrupt officials who enriched themselves by taking bribes and making crooked business deals."