Mexico's Independence

Lesson 3.3.3

Mexican Independence

Main Idea

Conflict between social classes in colonial Mexico

led to a movement for Mexican independence from Spain.

Because of the conquistadors, Mexico became a major part of Spain's colonial empire. The empire included Central America and Spanish-held areas in the Caribbean and present-day U.S.

Colonial Mexico

• The society of colonial Mexico was divided into social classes

• At the top were people born in Spain, called peninsulares - the peninsulares held the highest offices in the government and church

• Next were criollos, people of Spanish background, born in Mexico

• Next came mestizos, people of mixed Spanish and native heritage

• Native Americans and slaves were the lowest class of society

Open Ended

What was the main difference between a peninsulare and a criollo?

Independence - Miguel Hidalgo

• In 1810, Miguel Hidalgo led a revolt against the peninsulares.

• He led an army of almost 100,000 men, including many mestizos.

• His army killed many peninsulares and criollos, and captured several of Mexico's important cities.

• Government resisted Father Hidalgo's army, and in 1811, the troops defeated the priest's army and seized him.

• On July 30, 1811, they executed him, but his rebellion inspired others in Mexico to continue the fight.

Independence - Jose Morelo

• Jose Morelos took over leadership of the independence movement.

• In November 1813, he and his followers declared independence.

• They drafted a constitution that made Mexico a republic.

• The constitution also guaranteed freedom, equality, and security.

• Spain refused to accept this constitution and surrender.

• For nearly two years, they fought.

• Morelo was captured and executed in 1815.

The Struggle Continues

• Small groups of rebels continued to fight.

• In 1820, one leader united them - General Iturbide.

• Early in 1821, he issued a plan that included "Three Guarantees."

• First, Mexico would be independent of Spanish control.

• Second, peninsulares and criollos would be equal to each other.

• Third, Roman Catholicism would be the only religion in the country.

Open Ended

What was ONE of Genral Iturbide's Three Guarantees?

Iturbide's Army

• Iturbide's army rapidly defeated Spanish troops.

• In 1821, Spain signed a treaty granting independence to Mexico.

• In 1822, Iturbide cowned himself the emperor of Mexico.

• His reign was a disaster - even though he had great success leading the rebels to defeat Spain, as an emperor he could not unify them.

• One of his generals, Santa Anna, rebelled against him.

• In 1823, Iturbide gave up his crown and was exiled.

Santa Anna

• Santa Anna's new government wrote the Constitution of 1824.

• That year, the United States, Britain, and other countries recognized Mexico as an independent country. But Spain continued to fight.

• Santa Anna's troops finally defeated Spanish forces in 1830.

• That same year, Mexico's people elected Santa Anna as president.

Open Ended

Make Inferences: Do you think the Catholic Church was on the side of Spain or the native people? Explain your answer.

Open Ended

Categorize: Identify the classes of society in Mexico from top to bottom.

Open Ended

Summarize: How did the colonial structure in Mexico contribute to demands for independence?