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Napoleonic invasion of new spain
In 1808, Napoleon invaded Spain, overthrowing King Ferdinand VII and installing Joseph Bonaparte. This weakened Spanish control over New Spain, sparking political instability and growing resistance. Local elites questioned colonial rule, leading to uprisings. The crisis ultimately fueled Mexico’s independence movement, culminating in the 1810 revolution led by Hidalgo. -
Grito de dolores
The Grito de Dolores was a call for independence made by Miguel Hidalgo on September 16, 1810 in Dolores, New Spain, sparking the Mexican War of Independence. His speech united indigenous, mestizo, and creole populations against colonial oppression. -
Battle of the calderón bridge
The Battle of Calderón Bridge took place on January 17, 1811, near Guadalajara, between Mexican insurgents led by Hidalgo, Allende, and Jiménez, and Spanish royalists under Félix María Calleja. Despite outnumbering the Spanish, the insurgents were defeated when a stray cannonball ignited their ammunition. This marked a turning point, leading to Hidalgo’s capture. -
Constitution of Apatzingán
The Constitution of Apatzingán, enacted on October 22, 1814, was Mexico’s first constitution, drafted by insurgent leaders during the War of Independence. Influenced by liberal ideals, it established a republican government, recognized popular sovereignty, and promoted equality and individual rights. However, it had little effect, as royalists soon regained control. -
Rise of Vicente Guerrero
Vicente Guerrero emerged as a key leader in Mexico’s War of Independence after the defeat of early insurgents like Hidalgo and Morelos. From 1815 to 1821, he led guerilla warfare in southern Mexico, resisting royalist forces. His perseverance paid off when he allied with Agustín de Iturbide, leading to Mexico’s independence in 1821. -
Liberal revolution of new spain
The Liberal Revolution of New Spain refers to the impact of the Spanish Liberal Revolution of 1820 on Mexico. When Spanish liberals reinstated the 1812 Constitution, it weakened royalist control in New Spain. This shift led to Iturbide and Guerrero’s alliance in the Plan of Iguala (1821), ultimately securing Mexico’s independence from Spain. -
The plan of iguala
The Plan of Iguala (1821) was a political agreement in Mexico that called for independence from Spain, constitutional monarchy, Catholicism as the state religion, and social equality. -
Treaty of cordoba
The Treaty of Córdoba formalized Mexico’s independence from Spain, confirming the Plan of Iguala’s principles while allowing a constitutional monarchy under a European or Mexican ruler. -
Entry of the ejercito trigarante
On September 27, 1821, the Ejército Trigarante (Army of the Three Guarantees) triumphantly entered Mexico City, marking the end of Spanish rule and securing Mexico’s independence. -
First Mexican empire
the First Mexican Empire was a short-lived monarchy led by Emperor Agustín de Iturbide, unifying a fledgling nation amid fierce internal conflicts. -
Collapsed Mexican empire
Amid mounting dissent and fiscal instability, the First Mexican Empire rapidly collapsed in 1823 after Emperor Iturbide abdicated, ushering in a shift to republican rule.