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32
THIE UNITED STATES.
[1820.
the revolutionists. "If Mexico becomes an independent
country," they reasoned, "we will be able to make such
laws as we wish for our control." A second revolution
occurred. After a few battles, the Mexican patriots were
victorious. An empire was formed and General Iturbide
(e-toor-be'd) * was made emperor. The people longed
for still more freedom. But Iturbide granted nothing, his
desire being to make himself absolute ruler. The empire
was overthrown, and in 1828 a republic was established.
The United States.-While the outlook in Mexico
was dark and overshadowed by war-clouds, in the land
where our "bonny blue flag" waved, there were peace
and prosperity. The war of 1812 was the only event
that disturbed the nation. The country grew rapidly.
Settlers from every direction were pushing toward the
frontier, and already some--with longing eyes-were
looking toward the broad prairies of Texas.
* Iturbide was born at Valladolid, Mexico, 1783, his father being a Spaniard,
his mother a Creole. After receiving the best education then to be obtained in
Mexican schools, he entered the royal army and in 1810 distinguished himself in
the struggle against Hidalgo. His great bravery and his wonderful popularity with
the soldiers, who believed him a second Hercules, caused him to be made an officer
of the first rank. In 1816 serious charges of cruelty were brought against him, and
while his trial resulted in an acquittal, yet he retired to private life, spending four
years in prayer and penance. He was then called to the command of the royal
army, but soon espoused the cause of the people in their struggle against the
Spanish king and his tyrannical rule. During the year 1820 he won many victories
for freedom. Soon after he was declared Emperor of Mexico with the title of
Augustine I. Had he been wise in the exercise of his power, he might have kept
his throne, but he ruled so harshly that at the end of ten months he was forced to
give up the crown and leave the country; he was, however, granted a pension of
$25,000 as a reward for his patriotic services in 1820. On May 11, 1824, he set
sail from Europe to Mexico, not knowing that the Mexican government had de-
clared him an outlaw. Though dressed in deep disguise he was recognized, ar-
rested, and on July 19 was shot.
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Pennybacker, Anna J. Hardwicke. A new history of Texas for schools : also for general reading and for teachers preparing themselves for examination, book, 1895; Palestine, Tex.. (https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth2388/m1/46/: accessed May 8, 2024), University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History, https://texashistory.unt.edu; crediting UNT Libraries Special Collections.