LA INDEPENDENCIA DE MÉXICO en minutos

Independence of Mexico: A Historical Overview

Introduction to Mexican Independence

• The independence of Mexico refers to the liberation process from Spanish rule, which occurred in the territory known as the Viceroyalty of New Spain.

• This process lasted a total of 11 years, beginning on September 16, 1810, with Miguel Hidalgo's "Grito de Dolores" and concluding in 1821 when Vicente Guerrero and Agustín de Iturbide signed the Plan of Iguala.

• During this period, Mexican independence fighters engaged in significant battles against the royalist army to establish themselves as a sovereign republic.

Internal Causes of Independence

• The colonization process led to the deaths of many indigenous people due to wars and diseases brought by Spaniards. This created deep-seated grievances among remaining indigenous populations who were impoverished yet still required to pay tributes since the 18th century.

• The declining wealth among white Creoles was exacerbated by instability in Spain, leading to further discontent within society. Additionally, Indians and mestizos occupied the lowest social strata and faced exploitation by both Spanish colonies and Creoles.

External Causes of Independence

• Spain was weakened by its war with England, impacting its control over New Spain. Additionally, Bourbon reforms directly affected colonial governance in New Spain.

• The successful independence movement of the Thirteen Colonies (USA) in 1776 served as an inspiration for Mexico's quest for independence. Enlightenment ideas that challenged oppressive governments also influenced revolutionary sentiments across Mexico.

Stages of Mexican Independence

Initiation Stage

• The initiation stage began on September 16, 1810, marked by Hidalgo's call for rebellion and ended around 1808 after initial uprisings in Guanajuato resulted in losses for early leaders like Hidalgo himself. This stage set up future organizational efforts for independence.

Organization Stage

• From 1811 to 1815, following Hidalgo’s death, this stage focused on establishing clear objectives for the insurgency under José María Morelos' leadership; it gained momentum particularly in southern regions such as Guerrero and Oaxaca until Morelos was captured and executed in 1815.

Resistance Stage

• After Morelos’ execution until 1821, this phase saw Juan Ruiz de Apodaca appointed as viceroy implementing a policy of forgiveness while some rebels accepted amnesty while others intensified their demands for freedom from Spanish rule.

Consummation Stage

• In 1821, after ten years of struggle marked by various treaties including Córdoba where Donojú recognized Mexico’s sovereignty; additionally signing the Plan de Iguala declared New Spain independent from colonial rule solidified this final stage of independence efforts.

Consequences of Independence

• Post-independence wealth became concentrated among those controlling Mexican society—primarily wealthy Creoles and mestizos—leading to internal conflicts over state resources and power dynamics within new governance structures established post-independence.

• Economic challenges arose due to diminished production capabilities across agriculture and trade sectors alongside land appropriations affecting native Mexicans contributing further towards economic crises post-independence era developments were evident throughout these transitions into nationhood amidst ongoing struggles for stability within newly formed governmental frameworks.