Vicente Guerrero becomes president of Mexico

Background. The 1828 presidential election was highly partisan, contrasting with the first election. State legislatures chose moderate Manuel Gómez Pedraza, with Guerrero second and Bustamante third. Revolts favoring Guerrero followed, including actions by Santa Anna in Veracruz. In November 1828, Guerrero supporters took control of the Accordada in Mexico City, leading to days of fighting. A riot in the Zócalo and Parián market occurred in December 1828.

Assumption of Power. Congress annulled the 1828 vote and named Guerrero president, with Anastasio Bustamante as vice president. The term began on 1 April 1829. Guerrero, a liberal folk hero, became the nation's second president. His supporters viewed his presidency as a step toward the reconquest of the land by its legitimate owners, citing his mixed-race background and connection to pre-Hispanic heritage.

Presidency and Deposition. Guerrero's administration proclaimed abolition of slavery across almost all of the nation on 16 September 1829, though Texas was exempted in December. On 4 December 1829, Bustamante's reserve army pronounced the Plan of Jalapa. Guerrero left the capital to fight in the south but was deposed by the Mexico City garrison in his absence on 17 December 1829.