Mexican Independence 1821
Morelos Led movement for freedom from Spain Issued a declaration of independence in 1814 Drew up plans for a new government – a Mexican republic Republic – citizens elect representatives to make laws
Morelos Won control of large areas of southern New Spain Followers were people from lower classes Killed by forces loyal to the govt in 1815 Rebel spirit lived on after his death in small groups but none had any real power
Changes in Spain Six years later, the Spanish people rose up against the king King no longer had absolute power Some power rested with representatives of the people Lower classes wanted to change class system
Changes in Spain Upper classes worried they would lose too much power Afraid what would happen if the common people had more power Conservatives wanted to limit changes and keep the old ways
Iturbide Leader of the Conservatives (upper classes) Fought against Hidalgo and Morelos and their followers for 10 years (lower classes) Asked them to work together WITH him As ONE, they could achieve an independent Mexico – this common goal would unite them
Plan of iguala Met with rebel leader Guerrero and the two sides agreed to Plan of Iguala which stated: Mexico would be independent Peninsulares and criollos would be equal Catholic Church would keep its power
Plan of iguala Plan favored the conservatives Spain had lost control of New Spain August 24, 1821 Nation of Mexico was born Treaty of Cordoba made it official
issues Long fight for Mexican independence was over Liberals and conservatives agreed they wanted an end to Spanish rule Could not agree on how to govern Mexico Basic issues still split the different classes
issues Many people were still poor Mexico still had concerns about its US neighbor Number of Mexicans living in Texas had dropped during the fighting in New Spain