Mexican War of Independence
The Mexican War of Independence was certainly a unique one compared to the other Latin American Wars of Independence. After the American and the French Revolution, Mexico could not stay behind on being controlled by the Spanish. This struggle for liberty was caused by three internal factors; the social oppression before the War of Independence, events such as the Grito de Dolores, and the Plan of Iguala. The social oppression sparked the people into consideration for a reform in the area, Grito de Dolores becoming the act that demonstrated the people¯s thoughts about the situation, and the Plan of Iguala becoming the statement that showed what the °Mexicans± wanted. These three factors become crucial for the development of the Wars of Independence which becomes a key period for the history of Mexico. The people in Mexico were furious about the oppression they were experiencing in the nation. Privileges were given to the high class, especially the Peninsulares; the Spanish born people, so the people who were in the middle and lower class felt unfairness. This sensation of inequality was commonly among the Criollos the people Spanish people born in the colonies, where they were not given the same privileges as the Peninsular
The revolt of the masses against the wealthy was certainly what marked the start of the Wars of Independence. An important unique factor about the Mexican Wars of Independence is how the wars can be divided into two separate parts. The first starting with the war of the poor against the masses, which later becomes the second phase of the wars: the fight of the °Mexicans± against the Spanish. The social oppression before the wars had lead the poor Mexicans to feel threatened, thus directing the people in the direction of the independence. The first phase of the wars had not been intended to become an °independence movement±, rather it was a movement created to make reforms in the current government, trying to satisfy most people. The war originally targeted the Spanish born in Mexico, but as soon as the situation started to change, the target shifted from the wealthy in the Colonies to the Spanish. ~~~ After the decline of Morelos, there was much settlement of the wars and the Spanish had brought back power in Mexico. The only active °revolutionary± leader was Vicente Guerrero, who was becoming a target of the Spanish. Austin Iturbide, a Creole veteran, had been sent to kill Guerrero but quickly realizes that they both have similar aims for the future Mexico. Iturbide swiftly changed sides as a rebel and united with Guerrero in order to lead Mexico into independence. One of the most important works of Iturbide and Guerrero is the creation of the Plan of Iguala (February 24, 1821). This document became the fuel to steer Mexico through a virtually °bloodless transaction± to independence. The Plan of Iguala stated that °Mexico± would become an independent monarchy, limited by the 1812 constitution of Cadiz (by either Ferdinand VII or one of his brothers as emperor). Catholicism would remain to be the only legitimate religion and the Church would retain its property and privileges. The Indians, mestizos and the Spaniards living in Mexico would enjoy equality (by law). The Plan of Iguala sought these ideas as the Three Guarantees: Independence, Religion and Union. It also lead into the creation of the Army of
Some common words found in the essay are:
Plan Iguala, Wars Independence, Guadalupe Hidalgo¯s, Independence Creoles, Iturbide Grito, Crown Spain, Peninsulares Spanish, Maria Morelos, Ferdinand VII, Europe Spanish, grito de, plan iguala, de dolores, grito de dolores, wars independence, social oppression, spanish born, mexican wars, mexican wars independence, events grito de, factors social, ferdinand vii, control power, de dolores plan, dolores plan iguala,
Approximate Word count = 1439
Approximate Pages = 6 (250 words per page double spaced)
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