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Joseph Bonaparte claims throne of Spain
On June 6 1808, King Fernando VII abdicated the throne of Spain. Napoleon Bonaparte appoints his brother Joseph Bonaparte. People within in Spain are outraged and worried over the Liberalist French occupation. This leads to the formation of Juntas throughout Spain, a move that would lead to more localized government, and in turn this move would pave the way towards Mexican Independence -
Caste System and road to independence
Mexico at this time has become Spain’s premier colony and top supplier of silver and valuable dyes. These improvements and the modernization of Mexico are viewed by many historians as a causal effect from the Bourbon Reforms. Although these improvements have made Mexico a valuable asset these reforms have also created a great divide in economic wealth. This system is seen by many as a caste system which favors ethnic Spaniards, over the Criollos, and which had harsher effects on the Natives -
Native Servant
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Exempt for Alexander Humboldt's view of Mexico in early 1800's
These ideas of division are supported through the writings of Alexander Humboldt a Prussian explorer who describes the “rich as richer” and the poor as “poorer” and which goes on to explain the nature of the growing hatred between the rich and poor social classes. In the years that followed many of these groups sought independence but for much different reasons -
Mexico City Coup d' etat
The Coup d' etat started off as a debate to discuss the Ayuntamiento's plans to form a Junta to protect Spanish interest of the colony. This debate turned violent dividing parties that attended. This event also led to the Imprisonment of Viceroy Jose de Iturrigaray, which further divided the Spanish royalist and the Crillos. -
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Secret meeting in
After the Coup d’ etat of 1808, which led to the overthrow over Criollo favored Viceroy Jose de Itturigary, some influential Criollos met in Queretaro to plot overthrow Spanish rule. These meetings discussed key issues of resentment of the Criollos being treated as second class citizens. Along with plots to recruit Natives of other classes that faced discrimination. Some key figures that present were Miguel Hidalgo , Ignacio Allende, and Juan de Aldama -
Grito de Dolores
Efforts to the cause of Mexican Indepence were hastily rushed after the Royalist discovered plans for the revolution. September 16th in the city of Dolores Father Hildago rang the church bell as a call of arms, and delivering his famous speech the Grito de Dolores. This day is now recognized as Mexican Independence Day and the start of the first phase of Mexican Independence. -
Siege of Guanajuato
The Siege of Guanajuato took place days shortly after the Grito de Delores. Father Hidalgo with his was his mob of estimates of up to 50,000 natives, Criillos, and other insurgent defectors attacker took the prosperous city of Guanajuato. The siege led to the murder of not only non-Crillo defectors, royalist, but many innocent women and children. The success of this campaign was vital to securing resources of one of the wealthiest cities in Mexico. -
Battle of Monte de las Cruces Continued
At the point of the Rebellion the rebels now had the Spanish Army surrounded in Mexico City, but against the objection of Allende and reasons unknown Hidalgo troops retreated after this victory. It is believed this error resulted in prolonging the war. -
Battle of Monte de las Cruces
The Battle of Monte de las Cruces is viewed by many as one of the most important battles of the first phase of Mexican Independence. Hidalgo and Allende led the mob estimated over 80,000 of unorganized troops through the Sierra Mountains. Although the Spanish Royalist had the geographic advantage of the mountains they were no match for the mob of rebels. Surprisingly, this battle also marks a turning point in the first phase of the rebellion. -
Capture of Guadalajara
The capture of Guadalajara resulted in the rebels obtaining a new advantage for their cause for Mexican Independence. Guadalajara at the time was one of only four cities in Mexico to possess a printing press. Up until this point of the war most Rebel propaganda was written on leaflets.This is also believed to be why the content of the Grito de Delores is often debated. After this event the Rebels were able to mass produce propganda like their Spanish counterparts while it lasted. -
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Siege of Cuautla
The Siege of Cuautla was led by Felix Maria Calleja. The siege was one of the longest in the quest for Mexican Independence. The rebels at this time period had engaged in a compaign to capture southern territories of Mexico. In fear that the rebels were once again gaining momentum to strike the capital the Viceroy sent Calleja to take Cuautla. It is said Morelos abandoned Cuautla for to not retreat would have crushed the rebel forces. Calleja was named Viceroy shortly after this siege. -
Battle of Calderon Bridge
The Battle of Calderon Bridge exposed the Rebel troops lack of training and military experience. Rebel forces outnumbered the Spanish Royal army by almost tens times the men. However, the Rebels continued to retreat which resulted in them taking a defensive position. The Spanish army by this time had regrouped under the emerging leadership of General Félix María Calleja and used a barrage of artillery to decimate the rebel forces. After this battle rebel troops fled north to regroup. -
Venezuela Declares Independence
Simon Bolivar & Venezula IndependenceA national congress convended in Caracas, Venezuela and declared independence from Spain. This led to a brief war between Spain and Venezuela with Spain prevailing almost exactly one year later. -
Execution of Miguel Hidalgo - Chihuahua, Viceroyalty of New Spain
Shortly after the Battle of Calderon Bridge Miguel Hidalgo relenquished his role in the military campaign. He was eventually betrayed and turned over to the Bishop of Durango. To make a point that the Catholic Church was in strong favor of Spanish rule Hidalgo was excommunicated from the church and charged with treason. Hidalgo, Allende, and Aldama were all brought to Chihuahua for execution by firing line. Their heads were decapitated and hung on display for the next ten years. -
Siege of Cautla
The Siege of Cuautla was led by Felix Maria Calleja. The siege was one of the longest in the quest for Mexican Independence. The rebels at this time period had engaged in a compaign to capture southern territories of Mexico. In fear that the rebels were once again gaining momentum to strike the capital the Viceroy sent Calleja to take Cuautla. It is said Morelos abandoned Cuautla for to not retreat would have crushed the rebel forces. Calleja was named Viceroy shortly after this siege. -
Capture of Oaxaca
Following the executions of Hidalgo, Allende, and Adama the rebel forces suffered great defeats. However, a disciple of Hildalgo named Jose Maria Morelos took charge of the rebel forces. Morelos was sucessful in leading multiple campaigns. Notably the capture of Oaxaca. His capture gave the rebels a strategic advantage by allowing them to secure the lower border of Mexico. Moreso his execution of flanking the enemy showed how much more organized rebel forces had become. -
Siege of Acapulco
The Siege of Acapulco was another battle that built momentum for the rebel forces led by Morelos. By taking Acapulco the rebels now controlled a port on the southwest coast of Mexico that had ties to the Phillipines. Even though it is argued that the siege of the port had little signifigance in the struggle for independence Morelos accomplishments grew and would later lead to much support for him at the Congress of Chilpancingo. -
Chilpancingo , Mexico - Congress of Chilpancingo
The Congress of Chilpancigo started in early September and lasted through November. The meeting brought together leaders of the provinces and the Sentimientos de la Nación was drafted. This contained 23 articles that detailed independence from Spain, recognized the catholic church, and addressed equality for all social classes. -
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Stalemate
This period in time marks a stalemate between insurgent forces and the Spanish Royalist. Due to insurgent forces being unable to formally organize over the years Spanish Royalist had been able to resist their attempts at independence. During this period war and famine took its toll on both movements. The guerilla insurgents and the Spanish Royalist grew tiresome. -
Ecatepec de Morelos - Jose Maria Morelos Executed
Following the battle of Tezmalaca Jose Maria Morelos is captured, tried for treason, and executed by a firing squad. This dealt a blow to the rebel forces, changing the course of fighting tactics to use of guerilla warfare. -
3 Part Proposal
Augustin de Iturbide came up 3 part porposal, and which brought everyone together all for the fight of independece.
1) Meixco would have their independence but they would have a monarchy system
2)Creoles & Peninsulares will now have equal rights
3)The offical church will be the Roman Catholic Church -
Iguala, Mexico - Plan of Iguala
After years of clashing insurgent leader Vincente Guerrero and Spanish Royalist Agustin de Iturbide met to discuss Iturbide's defection Iturbide along with his royalist forces had grown tired Spanish rule and the liberal constution enacted after King Fernanado's return to the crown Here the Plan of Iguala was declared which united insurgent, defected royalist, and created the Army of the Three Guarantees This movement called for the protection of the Catholic religion, independence, and equality -
Córdoba, Veracruz, Mexico - Treaty of Cordova
Iturbide now with the united Army of Three Guarantees had now firmly taken control of Mexico City. On August 24, 1821 Vicceroy Juan O Donoju signed the Treaty of Cordova. The treaty declared Mexico Independent from Spain and granted equality between Crillos and Spaniards. In the year that followed Spain refused to recognize the treaty. By this time Spanish rule almost completely declined. These agreements also failed to last as Iturbide assumed the role of Mexican emperor of the new empire. -
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Process to recognized sovereignty in the Spanish Colonies
Progression of events from 1823 to 1837 finally lead to Mexican Independence -
Spain - Spain issues "Treaty of Peace and Amity"
Negotiations between Caltrava and Santa Maria end successfully with the "Treaty of Peace and Amity" whereas Her Majesty, Queen regent in the name of her daughter Isabela II, recognized Mexico as a independent free state.This treaty was made up of several articles which would later be ratified by both countries. -
Treaty of Peace and Amity formally Approved by Spain
After being both ratified in Mexico and Spain, the Queen regent of Spain formally approved the Treaty of Peace and Amity with Mexico
