Mexico's Revolt against Spain Begins
Mexico's Revolt against Spain, which began on September 16, 1810, marked a pivotal moment in the country's quest for independence from over three centuries of Spanish colonial rule. The uprising was ignited by Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla, a parish priest who delivered a passionate speech known as the Grito de Dolores, calling for the people to reclaim their lands and freedom. This came during a time of political upheaval, as Spain was weakened by the Napoleonic Wars and internal strife, prompting various factions in Mexico to seek autonomy. Hidalgo's rallying cry attracted a considerable following, leading to early victories; however, he was captured and executed in 1811.
Leadership subsequently passed to José María Morelos, who continued the struggle but also faced execution in 1815. Despite the setbacks, the civil conflict persisted until 1820, when a liberal revolution in Spain allowed Mexican factions to unite and negotiate terms with the Spanish government. Mexico ultimately achieved independence on August 23, 1821, through the Treaty of Aquala. This revolt not only signified the end of colonial rule but also laid the groundwork for Mexico's national identity and future governance.
Mexico's Revolt against Spain Begins
Mexico's Revolt against Spain Begins
On September 16, 1810, a priest named Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla gave a stirring speech which sparked a Mexican rebellion against centuries of Spanish rule.
Mexico was conquered by Spanish explorers and soldiers beginning in the early 16th century during an era of European domination. The Spanish defeated the native Aztecs in 1521, and in the following decades their soldiers and explorers pushed northward into what is now the United States and southward into Central America. “New Spain” was a sprawling region of the Spanish empire extending from California and the American Southwest down toward South America. As Spain declined, however, its colonies became restive. After the Napoleonic Wars erupted in Europe and Spain itself was taken by the French in 1808, political factions within Mexico seized the opportunity to rebel. Some were motivated by genuine patriotism and a desire for national self-determination, others by greed and personal ambition.
Costilla was born to a prosperous family on May 8, 1753, in Guanajuato near Mexico City. He was educated at several schools and eventually entered the clergy in 1778, after which he became a parish priest in the town of Dolores in his native Guanajuato region. Costilla was a radical priest, rejecting many traditional practices such as clerical celibacy, and became a member of the budding revolutionary movement. After the Spanish authorities learned of his sympathies in September 1810, he decided to issue his manifesto on September 16 in favor of independence before they could arrest him. This manifesto, known as the Grito de Dolores (Cry of Dolores), contained a strident call to arms: “My Children, a new dispensation comes to us today. . . . Will you free yourselves? Will you recover the lands stolen 300 years ago from your forefathers by the hated Spaniards? We must act at once.” His battle cry became “Long live the Virgin of Guadalupe, and death to the Spaniards!”
Costilla attracted a significant following and his new army had some victories, but he was eventually captured by the Spanish and executed on July 30, 1811, after being forced to recant. He was succeeded by José María Morelos y Pavón, who was also captured and executed in 1815. The civil war dragged on until 1820, when a liberal revolution within Spain itself enabled the various political factions in Mexico to unite and forge an agreement with the Spanish. Mexico finally secured its independence from the Spanish empire on August 23, 1821, under the terms of the Treaty of Aquala.