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The Secret Meetings (Initiation)
The beginning of the independence started with secret meetings that were held by the revolution’s most famous leaders: Miguel Hidalgo, Ignacio Allende, Josefa Ortiz de Dominguez, and Juan de Aldama. In this meetings, which were known as the “literary club”, plans to develop an independent Mexico were discussed. They also gathered followers, mostly composed of Indians and Criollos, so that they were ready when the time came. -
The Arrest of Epigmenio (Initiation)
On this date, the Spanish authorities moved on by searching the house of Epigmenio Gonzalez in Queretaro. They found arms and ordered his arrest. Josefa Ortiz de Dominguez entrusted Ignacio Perez with the task of carrying the news of the arrest to Allende in San Miguel. The messenger didn’t find him so relayed the news to Juan de Aldama, who informed father Hidalgo. None of the people in the conspiracy revealed to the Spaniards who was also involved (loyalty). -
Grito de Dolores (Initiation)
On this day, the independence movement began with Miguel Hidalgo giving the “Grito de Dolores”. The response by the public was enthusiastic and helped inspire castas, mestizos, and criollos. This was all thanks to the fact that the news about the arrest of Epigmenio was delivered on time. -
Battle at the Alhondiga de Granaditas (Consolidation)
The first battle was fought in Guanajuato. Hidalgo and Allende’s army faced the Spanish people, who were being protected at the Alhondiga de Granaditas. The door had to be burned down in order for the rebel army to be able to win. Supposedly, El Pipila led the attack which helped burn down the wooden door. -
Hidalgo's Mistake (Consolidation)
This event took place in México City. Miguel Hidalgo’s eighty thousand army won the battle at Monte de las Cruces and the Spanish forces were obligated to retreat back into the city while Hidalgo camped on the hills overlooking the capital. He decided to retreat because of the circumstances, having lost too many men in the war, and because of this, the Wars for Independence lasted for eleven more years. A decisive strike would have ended the wars after just a month and a half of fighting. -
Tough Times in Guadalajara (Consolidation)
This was the final battle that Hidalgo fought. Spanish troops under General Calleja’s command attacked the rebels in Guadalajara (Calderon Bridge). Hidalgo’s army was forced to leave and head towards the North because they had lost the battle. -
A Hero's Death (Resistance)
Hidalgo, being a priest, was subjected to a trial conducted by the Holy Office of the Inquisition. He was found guilty of heresy and treason. Later, he was turned over to the secular arm for execution. Hidalgo’s corpse was decapitated and his head placed in the wall of the granary of Guanajuato to show rebels what could happen to them. -
Morelos' Execution (Resistance)
Morelos was captured by an enemy detachment and escorted to Mexico City, where he was tried for treason and, like Hidalgo before him, executed by a firing squad. -
Plan de Iguala (Consummation)
A series of conferences had to be held between Guerrero and Iturbide could finally issue their Plan de Iguala on this date. It held out Spain as the most Catholic, holy, heroic, and magnanimous of nations. The plan had 23 articles but only three major guarantees. First, the independent Mexican nation would be organized as a constitutional monarchy. Secondly, the Roman Catholic Church would be given a monopoly on the spiritual life of the country. Lastly, criollos and peninsulares would be treat -
The End of Eleven Years of War (Consummation)
Iturbide’s triumphal entry into México City marked the end of eleven years of war. He received the gold keys to the city but the first door Iturbide opened that day was the one of the great cathedral on the central plaza, he received communion and listened to a Te Deum offered in his honor.
