Mexican Independence

Summary

In 1800, Texas was a remote area with only three settlements, part of New Spain. Society was divided into four classes, with a growing frustration among the lower classes. In 1810, Father Hidalgo called for revolution, demanding equality and an end to the class system, leading to the start of Mexico's independence movement. Despite initial resistance, by 1821, Mexico formally separated from Spain after the Treaty of Cordova. General Iturbide, a former opponent of the revolution, became the first president of independent Mexico, signaling the end of Spanish rule and the beginning of a new nation.

Takeaways

• 😀 Texas was a sparsely populated region in 1800, with only three settlements of colonists.
• 😀 In 1800, Texas was part of New Spain, and the society was divided into four classes: peninsulares, Creoles, mestizos, and Native Americans.
• 😀 The peninsulares were Spaniards born in Europe and held the highest power, while Native Americans faced poverty and oppression.
• 😀 Growing tensions between the upper and lower classes in New Spain contributed to the seeds of revolution.
• 😀 In 1808, Napoleon invaded Spain, which led to instability and turmoil in Spanish-controlled territories, including Mexico.
• 😀 Father Miguel Hidalgo launched the Grito de Dolores in 1810, calling for equality and an end to the class system in Mexico.
• 😀 The lower classes supported Hidalgo's rebellion, but the Creoles viewed it as a lower-class revolt and did not join.
• 😀 Despite Hidalgo's execution, the movement for Mexican independence continued under new leadership.
• 😀 In 1820, with Spain in further turmoil, General Agustín de Iturbide, who had opposed the revolution, aligned with the rebels.
• 😀 The Plan of Iguala was established, pushing for Mexico's independence from Spain, which was achieved in 1821 with the Treaty of Córdoba.
• 😀 Following Mexico's independence, the Spanish flag over Texas was replaced with the flag of an independent Mexico.

Q & A

What was the state of Texas in 1800?

In 1800, Texas was still a backwater with only three settlements of colonists. It was part of New Spain, under Spanish control.

What was the social structure in New Spain during this period?

The society in New Spain was divided into four classes: the peninsulares (Spaniards from Europe), the Creoles (Spaniards born in the New World), the mestizos (mixed Spanish and Native American), and the Native Americans, who were impoverished.

How did the class divisions in New Spain affect society?

The lower classes, especially the mestizos and Native Americans, were frustrated with the upper classes, particularly the peninsulares, who represented Spain and held much of the power.

What event in 1808 influenced the desire for revolution in Mexico?

In 1808, Napoleon invaded Spain and took control of the country, placing his brother Joseph on the throne, which weakened Spain's authority and influenced revolutionary thoughts in Mexico.

What was Father Hidalgo's role in the Mexican independence movement?

Father Hidalgo, a priest, gave a speech on September 16, 1810, called the Grito de Dolores, demanding equality and an end to the class system. His speech sparked the Mexican War of Independence.

How did different classes in Mexico react to Father Hidalgo's speech?

The lower classes supported Father Hidalgo's cause, but the Creoles, who were of Spanish descent born in the Americas, saw the rebellion as a lower-class revolt and refused to join.

What happened to Father Hidalgo after his speech?

Father Hidalgo was executed, but many of his followers escaped and continued the struggle for Mexico's independence from Spain.

How did events in Spain in 1820 affect Mexico's fight for independence?

In 1820, Spain's King Ferdinand VII was forced to give up some power and accept a new government system. This development led the peninsulares in Mexico to realize their power was at risk, prompting them to seek alliances with the independence movement.

Who was Agustín de Iturbide, and what role did he play in Mexico's independence?

Agustín de Iturbide was a general who had fought against Father Hidalgo's rebels. He later met with the rebels and agreed to support them, helping to push forward the Plan of Iguala, which led to Mexico's independence.

When did Mexico officially gain its independence from Spain?

Mexico officially gained its independence from Spain on August 24, 1821, with the signing of the Treaty of Córdoba.

What symbolized the change in Mexico's political status after independence?

After Mexico's independence, the Spanish flag over Texas was taken down and replaced by the flag of an independent Mexico.