Front

Which region was involved in the fight for independence during the Mexican National Era?

Back

Texas

Answer explanation

Texas was involved in the fight for independence during the Mexican National Era. José Gutiérrez de Lara, a leader from northern Mexico, wanted freedom from Spanish rule. He went to the United States to get help and teamed up with an American soldier named Augustus Magee. Together, they formed the Republican Army of the North, a group of Mexican and American fighters who invaded Texas in 1812 to fight the Spanish.

Even though their army was defeated at the Battle of Medina, Gutiérrez de Lara’s efforts were important because they showed that people in Texas supported the larger fight for Mexican independence. His actions helped inspire later revolts that eventually led to Mexico’s freedom from Spain.

Front

Who was José Gutiérrez de Lara in the context of the Mexican National Era?

Back

A leader in the fight for Mexican independence

Answer explanation

José Gutiérrez de Lara was a leader in the fight for Mexican independence. He was one of the first people from northern Mexico to push for freedom from Spanish rule. Gutiérrez de Lara traveled to the United States to get support and helped form the Republican Army of the North with American soldier Augustus Magee. Together, they led a rebellion in Texas against Spain. Even though their army was defeated, Gutiérrez de Lara’s actions helped spread the independence movement and inspired others to keep fighting until Mexico won its freedom.

Front

What was the name of the significant battle during the Mexican National Era that impacted Texas?

Back

Battle of Medina

Answer explanation

The Battle of Medina was the major battle during the Mexican National Era that impacted Texas. It took place in 1813, south of San Antonio. The Republican Army of the North, made up of Mexican rebels and American volunteers led by José Gutiérrez de Lara and Augustus Magee, fought against the Spanish royal army. The battle ended in a terrible defeat for the rebels, and thousands were killed. Even though they lost, the Battle of Medina was important because it showed how strongly people in Texas wanted independence from Spain and helped inspire later independence movements.

Front

What was the main cause of unrest among the majority population in New Spain?

Back

social inequality

Answer explanation

The main cause of unrest in New Spain was social inequality. Most people were unhappy because the caste system gave all the power, wealth, and best jobs to people born in Spain (Peninsulares) and their children (Criollos). Meanwhile, Mestizos, Native Americans, and enslaved Africans had few rights and worked hard for very little. This unfair treatment made many people want change, leading them to support independence movements like those led by Father Hidalgo and José Gutiérrez de Lara.

Front

Who was the leader that sparked the fight for independence in New Spain by issuing the Cry of Delores?

Back

Father Miguel Hidalgo

Answer explanation

Father Miguel Hidalgo was the leader who began Mexico’s fight for independence from Spain. On September 16, 1810, he gave a famous speech called the Cry of Dolores (El Grito de Dolores), where he called on the people to rise up against unfair Spanish rule and end social inequality. His speech inspired thousands of Mestizos and Native Americans to join the rebellion. Although Hidalgo was later captured and executed, his call for freedom started the movement that eventually led to Mexico’s independence.

Front

On what date did Father Miguel Hidalgo issue his Cry of Delores, calling for independence from Spain?

Back

September 16, 1810

Answer explanation

Father Miguel Hidalgo gave his famous speech called the Cry of Dolores on September 16, 1810. That was the day he told the people of New Spain to rise up against Spanish rule and fight for freedom. This moment is known as the start of Mexico’s War of Independence, and Mexico still celebrates September 16th as its Independence Day today.

Front

What was the effect of Father Miguel Hidalgo's Cry of Delores?

Back

It started an 11 year struggle for independence from Spain

Answer explanation

Father Miguel Hidalgo’s Cry of Dolores started an 11-year struggle for independence from Spain. His call inspired thousands of people—mostly Mestizos and Native Americans—to rise up against unfair Spanish rule. Even though Hidalgo was captured and killed, his movement began the fight that eventually led to Mexico’s independence in 1821.

Front

What was the main cause that started the Mexican War of Independence?

Back

The Cry of Delores issued by Father Miguel Hidalgo

Answer explanation

The main cause that started the Mexican War of Independence was the Cry of Dolores issued by Father Miguel Hidalgo. On September 16, 1810, Hidalgo called on the people of New Spain to stand up against Spanish rule and fight for freedom. His speech inspired thousands of Mestizos and Native Americans to join the movement, beginning Mexico’s long fight for independence.

Front

Who continued Hidalgo's movement after his execution?

Back

Gutierrez de Lara

Answer explanation

After Father Miguel Hidalgo was executed, José María Morelos continued his fight for Mexico’s independence. Morelos was another priest who believed that everyone in New Spain deserved freedom and equality. He organized Hidalgo’s followers into a stronger, more disciplined army and kept the independence movement alive. Around the same time, José Gutiérrez de Lara also helped the cause by forming the Republican Army of the North, a group of Mexican rebels and American volunteers who fought in Texas against Spanish rule. Together, their efforts helped push the independence movement forward and inspired others to keep fighting until Mexico finally won its freedom.

Front

What was the name of the expedition led by Gutierrez de Lara in 1812?

Back

Gutierrez-Magee expedition

Answer explanation

In 1812, José Gutiérrez de Lara led the Gutiérrez-Magee Expedition. He teamed up with an American soldier named Augustus Magee to form the Republican Army of the North. Their goal was to free Texas from Spanish control and help Mexico win independence. The army fought several battles in Texas, including the Battle of Medina, which was the largest and bloodiest battle ever fought on Texas soil. Even though they were defeated, their efforts showed that Texans were part of the larger fight for Mexican independence.