The Mexican Independence Movement: A Historical Overview
Explore the key events and figures of the Mexican independence movement from 1810 to 1821, culminating in the triumph of the Trigarante Army.
Video Summary
The Mexican independence movement was a significant armed and social uprising aimed at freeing the territory from Spanish rule. It all began with the iconic Grito de Dolores in 1810 and reached its climax in 1821 with the triumphant entry of the Trigarante Army. Prior to 1810, there were notable ideological precursors laying the groundwork for the independence movement. The struggle for independence unfolded in four distinct stages: the first stage spanned from the Grito de Dolores to the Battle of Calderón Bridge, the second stage saw the leadership of José María Morelos and the capture of the Fort of San Diego, the third stage was marked by internal turmoil and the tragic death of Miguel Hidalgo, and the fourth stage concluded with the signing of the Plan of Iguala and the victorious march into Mexico City. The formal declaration of independence was achieved in 1821.
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Keypoints
00:00:16
Independence of Mexico
The period of Mexican history known as the War of Independence began on the early morning of September 16, 1810, when Father Miguel Hidalgo proclaimed the 'Grito de Dolores.' It concluded on September 27, 1821, with the triumphant entry of the Trigarante Army led by Agustín de Iturbide and Vicente Guerrero into Mexico City. The main objective of this armed and social movement was to free Mexican territory from Spanish rule and eradicate the concept of the viceroyalty throughout the colony.
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00:00:18
Pre-Independence Ideological Antecedents
Before the outbreak of independence in 1810, notable ideological precursors driven by a thirst for freedom were already at work, particularly among the criollos. Fray Melchor de Talamantes, a prominent thinker of the time, had circulated subversive writings advocating for Mexican independence. These writings argued that Mexico, with its abundant resources, could sustain itself independently and that Spanish rule was neglectful of the well-being of New Spain.
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00:01:54
Stages of the Independence Movement
According to experts, the historical development of the Mexican independence movement can be better understood by examining four pivotal stages. The first stage spans from the 'Grito de Dolores' in 1810 to the Battle of Calderón Bridge in Zapotlanejo, Jalisco, on January 17, 1811. This phase saw Hidalgo leading a passionate but strategically challenged army of around 100,000 individuals, including criollos, indigenous people, and mestizos.
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00:02:45
Realist Forces in Mexico
During the Mexican War of Independence, the realist forces, loyal to the viceroy and the Spanish crown, consisted of approximately 50,000 soldiers.
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00:02:59
José María Morelos y Pavón
José María Morelos y Pavón emerged in 1811, leading the insurgents until the capture of Fort San Diego in Acapulco in 1813. His forces achieved significant victories in Cuautla Morelos and Acapulco, Guerrero.
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00:03:27
Disorder and Realist Resurgence
Following the death of the leader of the insurgents, a power vacuum led to disorder. General Félix María Calleja, commanding the realist forces, capitalized on this chaos to regain momentum and ultimately win the war, except for a few remaining resistance groups like the one led by Vicente Guerrero in the south.
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00:04:07
End of the War and Independence
The Mexican War of Independence officially ended in February 1821 with the signing of the Plan of Iguala. The triumphant Trigarante Army, led by Agustín de Iturbide and Vicente Guerrero, entered Mexico City, marking the formal conclusion of the struggle for Mexican independence.
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