alternatehistory.com

So at the close of the War of Independence in 1820, Agustin de Iturbide proclaimed the Plan de Iguala, a sort of declaration of independence. It called for the establishment an independent Mexican Empire as a constitutional monarchy, Ferdinand VII would be offered the throne and if he didn't accept it was expected he designated another member of the House of Borbon instead, but since Spain failed to recognize the independence at all, the the Mexican Congress instead named Agustin de Iturbide the monarch, which would led to the collapse of the empire when old enemies began to accuse him of being power-hungry and conspired to bring him down.

What candidates could accept the Imperial Throne that might keep the Empire afloat? Is there any way to get Spain accept the Mexican independence and perhaps allow a Bourbon to assume its throne, or at least pave the way for other Catholic nobles to attempt?

Potential Candidates:
  • Ferdinand VII of Spain
  • Don Francisco de Paula, a brother to Ferdinand VII, apparently had liberal leanings. Very safe choice, no?
  • Don Carlos, a brother to Ferdinand VII, apparently anti-liberal and extremely reactionary. The republicans would probably not approve.
  • Archduke Karl of Teschen, the third son of Holy Roman Emperor Leopold II and younger brother to Holy Roman Emperor Francis II. A veteran of the Napoleonic Wars, apparently a strategic genius. I'm unsure if he actually ruled an Archduchy.
Any suggestions, thoughts?
Top