Joseph Poinsett

Joseph Poinsett was a prominent American diplomat and politician in the early 19th century, best known for serving as the U.S. ambassador to Mexico. He was involved in orchestrating the first U.S. coup against a Latin American government, driven by his interests as a slaveholder and his anger over Mexico's refusal to return escaped slaves. Poinsett's legacy extends to the poinsettia plant, which he introduced to the United States.