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Miguel Hidalgo
Born in Viceroyalty of New Spain (Present name Guanajuato, Mexico) second of eleven children fathered by Cristóbal Hidalgo, an estate administrator. (Harvey, Robert. 2000)
(Vázquez Gómez, Juana (1997). Dictionary of Mexican Rulers, 1325-1997. Westport, Connecticut, U.S.: Greenwood Publishing Group, Inc) -
Priesthood
He entered the Colegio De San Nicolas where he studied priesthood along with his brothers. (Kirkwood, Burton (2000). History of Mexico. Westport, Connecticut, U.S.: Greenwood Publishing Group, Incorporated) -
Ordained a Priest
Hidalgo was ordained as a priest in 1778 when he was 25 years old. He did not advocate or live the lifestyle expected of a priest. His studies of Enlightenment-era made him view political and religious views differently. (Tuck, Jim. "Miguel Hidalgo: The Father Who Fathered a Country (1753–1811)". Retrieved 27 November 2008) -
Ruined by Spanish Policy
The Hidalgo family was completely wiped out economically due to King Carlos of Spain new policy to collect all loans issued by the church. They had one year to pay or lose their collateral. (Lynch, John 1986) -
El Grito de Dolores
Characterized as an activist for the less fortunate his goal was to liberate Mexico. Hidalgo rang the church bells on the morning of Sepember 16th, he annource his intention for independence, within a matter of minutes over 600 people of Dolores accepted and were ready to join him. (Archer 1989)
(Lynch, John. The Spanish American Revolutions 1808-1826 New York: W. W. Norton & Company, 1986) -
Gathering troops
With time Miguel and his army had increase to about 80,000 Most of the independence fighters were poor peasants and Indians armed only with machetes knives and clubs. Many spoke different native languages and could not communicate with one another. (Gloucester, Mass.: Peter Smith, 1967)
(Gainesville: University of Florida Press, 1966) -
Battle of Puente de Calderón
Miguel Hidalgo and Ignacio Allende insurgent army now totaling aroung 80,000- 100,000 men were ready to battle against The Royalist Army. The Royalist Army only had 6,000 troops but they were better equipped and won the attack. (Lynch, John. The Spanish American Revolutions 1808-1826 New York: W. W. Norton & Company, 1986) -
Betrayal & Civil Trial
Miguel and Ignacio were betrayed and ambushed on their way up north by Ignacio Elizondo an insurgent commander. Miguel was trialed and stripped from priesthood he was found guilty of waging war against his own country. (Sosa, Francisco 1985)
(Harvey, Robert 2000) -
Execution of Miguel Hidalgo
Miguel was executed by firing squad on July 30th at 7:00am. His head was decapitated and displayed on one of the four corners of Guanajuato as a warning. "Though I may die, I shall be remembered forever; you all will soon be forgotten." - Miguel Hidalgo ("¿Quien fue Hidalgo?" (in Spanish). Mexico: INAH. Retrieved 27 November 2009) -
His Legacy continues
Though Miguel no longer alive, his fight was not without cause, the insurgents continued to fight for 11 years before Mexico was declared independent. Mexico was under Spanish rule for 300 years. (SEDENA. Retrieved March 24, 2014)
