Mexican Independence

1810 - 1821

STANDARD 3.1Describe the causes and

consequences of the Mexican Independence movement, including its

roots in Enlightenment philosophy

CAUSES EFFECTS

Enlightenment

Philosophy

Problems in

Europe

Colonial

Discontent

Enlightenment Ideas (Contact)• Before – People taught to just do and obey

• After – people told to question and reason and recreate government

• Authority of clergy, nobles and absolute rulers challenged in Europe – led to revolutions

European Problems

• European nations looking to break up Spain’s monopoly

• French Revolution spreads ideas of freedom and revolution

• Napoleon overthrows Spanish king – weakens Spain’s control over Latin American colonies

Colonial Discontent

• No freedom to trade

• No power for Criollos

• Paying high taxes for wars in Europe

• Liberals – humanist reforms

• Conservatives – Home Rule monarchy

• GOAL: Protect what is yours

Miguel Hidalgo

• Catholic priest

• Argued against authority of Popes, celibacy, censorship

• Banished to small town of Dolores, Guanajuato

• Met Ignacio Allende and his wife Josefa Ortiz de Dominguez

Allende and Dominguez

• Organized “literary club”

• Stockpiled weapons

• Josefa helped organize military and help spread ideas

El Grito de Dolores

• Allende arrested, plot uncovered

• September 16, 1810 – Miguel Hidalgo rings church bells

• Denounced Spanish rulers for 300 years of domination and pillage

• Called for regain of homeland

• Speech began a chain reaction