🟢⚪🔴La Independencia de Mexico 1810-1821 - Resumen - Historia de Mexico

Independence of Mexico: A Historical Overview

The Context of Independence

• Following the fall of Tenochtitlan in 1521, Spanish rule established the Viceroyalty of New Spain, governed by viceroys from the Iberian Peninsula for 300 years.

• Social hierarchies emerged, with Spaniards born in Spain at the top, followed by Creoles (children of Spaniards born in America), Indigenous people, and enslaved individuals at the bottom, leading to significant social inequality.

Prelude to Independence

• In 1808, during the Napoleonic Wars, France invaded Spain and dethroned King Ferdinand VII. This created a power vacuum that sparked concerns about potential invasions in America.

• Inspired by the American Revolution (1776), many began to contemplate independence and freedom. By 1810, movements for independence were brewing across South America.

The Start of Armed Conflict

• The "Conspiracy of Querétaro" aimed to incite rebellion on September 9 but was discovered; thus, insurgents launched their fight on September 16 under leaders like Miguel Hidalgo and Ignacio Allende.

• The war lasted eleven years and is divided into four main phases. The first phase saw Hidalgo's campaign gain momentum as they captured key cities like Salamanca and Irapuato.

Key Battles and Developments

• After taking Guanajuato on September 28—akin to a Mexican version of the Bastille—insurgents committed atrocities against royalist forces.

• In response to insurgent advances, Viceroy Venegas offered rewards for capturing leaders and appointed Félix María Calleja to lead royalist troops against them.

Turning Points in the War

• Despite early victories near Mexico City, Hidalgo hesitated to advance towards it due to fears of looting among his ranks.

• On November 7, Calleja defeated insurgent forces at Aculco; this loss significantly weakened Hidalgo’s campaign as they lost crucial weaponry.

Decline of Hidalgo's Campaign

• By December 6, after several defeats including one at Guanajuato led by Calleja, tensions rose between leaders Allende and Hidalgo over strategic decisions.

• A major defeat occurred on January 17 when Calleja's forces overwhelmed Hidalgo’s inexperienced troops at Calderón Bridge. This marked a turning point leading towards Hidalgo's capture.

Aftermath and Continued Struggle

• Following their capture in March during an attempt to seek support from the U.S., all insurgent leaders were executed; Hidalgo was killed on July 30 with his head displayed as a warning against rebellion.

Emergence of New Leadership

The Campaigns of Morelos and the Path to Mexican Independence

Early Victories and Challenges

• In November, Morelos captured Oaxaca, a significant city in the region. He later moved towards Acapulco, taking control of Fort San Diego from April to August 1813 until the royalist troops surrendered.

• Despite initial successes, Morelos faced counterattacks from royalists who regained several locations in Bajío. Notably, on August 18, 1813, at the Battle of Medina in San Antonio, Texas, 1,800 royalists defeated 1,400 insurgents; many were American filibusters.

Setbacks and Losses

• A major defeat occurred on December 23, 1813 when Morelos was surprised and defeated at Las Lomas de Santa María while preparing to take Valladolid.

• On February 3, 1814, one of his key leaders Mariano Matamoros was executed by royalists. Ultimately, Morelos was defeated at the Battle of Temalaca Puebla on November 5, 1815.

Resistance Phase (1815 - 1820)

• Following Morelos' execution on December 22, 1815, the independence movement stagnated as Spanish reinforcements arrived after their war ended.

• Leaders like Guadalupe Victoria and Vicente Guerrero continued guerrilla warfare for five years during this period. Francisco Javier Mina also fought between April and November of 1817 with foreign legionnaires until his capture and execution.

Devastation During War

• The ongoing conflict led to widespread devastation across central Mexico due to war-related diseases and poverty; over half a million lives were lost during this time.

Final Stages of Independence (1820 - 1821)

• The final phase began when Agustín de Iturbide switched sides to join Vicente Guerrero on February 10, 1821. They formed the Trigarante Army with around 16,000 soldiers.