Mexico's Independence From Spain

The Mexican War of Independence which led to Mexico's independence from the Spanish Empire was originally just an idealistic rebellion by peasants against their landlords and masters. The war started in 1810 and lasted for more than a decade. It was led by Mestizos, Creoles and the Amerindians.

How it all started

The upheaval that led to Mexican independence started with the political and economic changes that Europe, and, in effect, its American colonies, faced during the later part of the 18th century until the 19th century. Spain's attention towards its colonies was distracted by the French Revolution and the wars led by Napoleon and this caused an increasing dissatisfaction with the current regime. It also gave rise to a desire for the colonies to create their own local governments.

Mexico found an opportunity to promote its independence when the then Spanish King Ferdinand VII was overthrown and replaced by Joseph Bonaparte. From there came a series of reform movements by liberal organizations which were then forced to go underground.

One of these movements, the Literary Club of Queretaro, came out as the most prevalent in sowing the seeds of revolution. It was composed of independence and reform-oriented thinkers who also began to consider the possibility of enlisting the lower class masses, Indians and mestizos into the cause. In fact, it was a member of this group, a Father Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla who will turn out to be at the core of the fight for Mexican independence.

Father Hidalgo and his fight for independence

The Mexican war for independence started on the night of September 15, 1810 when Hidalgo declared war against the colonial government following the betrayal of a supporter. The revolutionary army marched on to Guanajuato, a colonial mining center that was under the Spaniards and the creoles. On September 28, the rebels took over the granary and most of the people managing the center were either exiled or massacred.

Successful uprisings

After the takeover of Guanajuato, Hidalgo's army went on to achieve victory in a number of battles. One of the most notable was the Battle of Monte de las Cruces on October 30, 1810. They did gain a lot of casualties, however, as the army failed to defeat the Spanish armada in Mexico City. The surviving rebels sought refuge in nearby villages and provinces. Eventually, Father Hidalgo and what was left of his army was captured in Jalisco where he faced court trial. He was executed by firing squad on July 30, 1811 after being found guilty of treason.

After the death of Hidalgo, the army came under the leadership of Jose Maria Morelos. During this period, the rebels took over the cities of Acapulco and Oaxaca. On November 6, 1813, the Congress of Chilpancingo was convened. This was when the first official document of independence - "Solemn Act of the Declaration of Independence of Northern America" - was signed. The event triggered a long period of war known as the Siege of Cuautla.

Independence from Spain

The Independence War grew to a guerilla war from 1815 to 1821. The war saw a lot of casualties particularly resulting to the death and defeat of its leaders. It was about to go on the state of collapse had it not coincided with the Liberal revolution in Spain which jumpstarted the Spanish Civil War from 1820 to 1823. Spain tried to regain Mexico until 1829. Finally, the kingdom recognized the country's independence in 1830.