Victoria, Guadalupe, << `gwahd` uhl OOP or `gwahd` hah LOO pay >> (1789?-1843), was the first president of Mexico. He held office from 1824 to 1829. Before he became president, Victoria had been a military leader in Mexico’s struggle for independence from Spain.
Victoria was born Miguel Fernández y Félix in Tamazula, Durango. He studied law in Mexico City from 1807 to 1811. After joining the struggle for independence in 1812, he fought in the campaign to take the city of Oaxaca from the Spaniards. During the war, he changed his name to Guadalupe Victoria. He took the name Guadalupe to honor Mexico’s patron saint, Our Lady of Guadalupe (often called the Virgin of Guadalupe). He chose Victoria to demonstrate his belief in Mexico’s eventual victory in the war.
Victoria later led rebel forces in the state of Veracruz but was defeated by the Spaniards in 1818. He then hid in the mountains of Veracruz for 30 months. During this time, he became a legendary hero to many Mexicans. In 1821, Victoria rejoined the rebels, who won independence later that year. In 1823, he helped overthrow Agustín de Iturbide, who had become emperor of Mexico. Victoria was elected president the following year. Victoria died on March 21, 1843.
