Mexico's fight for independence was a complex struggle shaped by social inequality and global events. Racial tensions, economic issues, and Enlightenment ideas fueled discontent, while Napoleon's invasion of Spain created an opportunity for rebellion.

Key figures like Miguel Hidalgo and José María Morelos led the charge, inspiring masses to fight for freedom. The Plan de Iguala, drafted by Agustín de Iturbide, united diverse factions and ultimately led to Mexico's independence in 1821.

Factors Leading to Mexican Independence

Social Unrest, Economic Issues, and Napoleonic Wars

• Racial and class inequalities in New Spain fueled social unrest
  • Peninsulares (Spanish-born) held highest positions in government and society
  • Criollos (American-born Spanish) faced discrimination despite their wealth and education
  • Mestizos, indigenous peoples, and Afro-Mexicans were at the bottom of the social hierarchy with limited rights and opportunities
• Enlightenment ideas spread by criollos questioned the legitimacy of colonial rule
  • Challenged the divine right of kings and advocated for individual rights and self-governance
  • Inspired by the successful American Revolution (1765-1783) and French Revolution (1789-1799)
• Bourbon Reforms implemented by the Spanish Crown exacerbated economic issues
  • Restricted trade and increased taxes, favoring peninsulares over criollos in economic opportunities
  • Concentration of wealth among peninsulares and elite criollos, while lower classes faced poverty and lack of land ownership
• Napoleon's invasion of Spain in 1808 and capture of King Ferdinand VII created a power vacuum
  • Weakened Spanish authority and led to the formation of juntas in Spain and the Americas to govern in the king's absence
  • Debates over sovereignty and the right to self-governance arose as Spain's preoccupation with the war in Europe diverted resources and attention away from the colonies, providing an opportunity for independence movements to gain traction

Key Figures and Events in the Mexican Independence Movement

Miguel Hidalgo, José María Morelos, and Vicente Guerrero

• Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla, a Catholic priest, led the first stage of the independence movement
  • Issued the Grito de Dolores on September 16, 1810, calling for the end of Spanish rule and racial equality
  • Led a massive but poorly organized army of peasants and indigenous people before his capture and execution by Spanish forces in 1811
• José María Morelos, another priest and military leader, took over after Hidalgo's death
  • Organized a more disciplined and effective independence movement
  • Convened the Congress of Chilpancingo in 1813, which declared Mexican independence and drafted a constitution, before his capture and execution by the Spanish in 1815
• Vicente Guerrero, a mestizo military leader, continued the fight after Morelos' death
  • Employed guerrilla warfare tactics against Spanish forces
  • Formed an alliance with Agustín de Iturbide in 1821, their forces marching into Mexico City and marking the end of the war

Plan de Iguala and Agustín de Iturbide

• Plan de Iguala, proposed by Agustín de Iturbide on February 24, 1821, outlined three main principles (Three Guarantees)
  • Independence from Spain, equality for all social and ethnic groups, and maintenance of the Catholic Church's privileged status
  • Gained support from a broad coalition of criollos, mestizos, indigenous peoples, and some Spanish loyalists
• Agustín de Iturbide, a criollo officer, switched sides from the Spanish army to the independence movement
  • Collaborated with Vicente Guerrero to unite rebel forces and drafted the Plan de Iguala to create consensus among diverse factions
  • Led the Army of the Three Guarantees into Mexico City on September 27, 1821, marking the end of the Mexican War of Independence
  • Briefly served as Emperor of Mexico (1822-1823) before being deposed by republican forces led by Antonio López de Santa Anna