1800’s-1820 Mexican Independence

Was Mexico (New Spain) ready for independence from Spain? Some say yes, and this is why. The inequalities of life under the caste system The flow of wealth out of New Spain to Spain The inability of New Spain to feed its own people The confusion and division in the governments of both Spain and New Spain The flow of new ideas on government and peoples rights arriving from America and France, both of whom had recently undergone revolutions of their own Was Mexico (New Spain) ready for independence from Spain? 

People in New Spain were organized into a caste system, by law People in New Spain were organized into a caste system, by law. This caste system was based on race. Those at the top lived very well. Those at the bottom lived very harsh lives. Peninsulares (Gauchapines)European born whites Criollos Colonial born whites Mestizo Mixed blood (Spanish-Indian) Mulattos Mixed blood (Spanish-Negro) Indians Natives Negroes African

Partner work 1. Why was Mexico ready for a revolution? 2. Explain the caste system in Mexico 3. Describe how life would be different for 2 people in the caste system.

Reasons for Independence The Colonial legacy also allowed the Church to be owners of between 25% and 50% of the land. They controlled most schools, hospitals, and charitable institutions. They also enjoyed “fueros” which are special privileges which included the right to not be tried in civil courts. Population of Mexico in 1810- Indians(3,676,281) 60% Criollos(1,092,397) 18% Mestizos(704,245) 11% Mulatoes(624,461) 10% Peninsulares(15,000) .3 Blacks(10,000) .2%

Beginning of the Revolution In 1808, French Napoleon captured the Spanish monarchs and took over Spain. Mexican Viceroy, Jose de Iturrigaray promised to keep Mexico under Spain’s rule until the monarchy could be restored Tension began to grow among criollos who wanted some changes in New Spain like elimination of the fueros, and more freedom of trade The lower classes of Indians and peasants who were growing tired of oppression and inequalities. Military leaders also enjoyed these fueros or special privileges.

Partner Work 4. What was a feuros? Why would it make some people angry? 5. Identify and explain 2 reasons why a revolution was beginning in Mexico.

El Bajio The Bajío (lowlands) is a region of Central Mexico that includes the plains south of the Sierra de Guanajuato, in the state of Guanajuato, as well as parts of the states of Querétaro and was the home of the first grassroot insurgencies.

Independence or Social Revolution? -Father Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla (a priest from Dolores) gave “El Grito” on a Sunday on September 16, 1810 this was a call for the oppressed people of Mexico to rise against their Spanish rulers. In less than two weeks the insurgent leaders had assembled thousands of rebels (between 70,000 and 80,000) They began a march on the industrial and mining center of Guanajuato.

Guanajuato- El Bajio They eventually captured the city and massacred hundreds of Spaniards in the granary and city (Alhondiga de Granaditas). A legendary figure, named el pipila, helped the rebels capture the Spanish stronghold by covering his body with a block and reaching the doors and setting them on fire. Less than a year after the revolt, he was captured and executed by a firing squad.

Jose Maria Morelos Another priest, Jose Maria Morelos assumed command of the revolutionary movement. Like Hidalgo, he ordered an end to slavery. He pushed for reforms in government in Mexico after Spain became free of French rule in 1814. The Spanish Crown was able to refocus of Mexico and sent more troops to press on the revolutionary movements. By the end of 1815, Morelos was defeated, captured, and executed.

Partner Work 6. Who was Hildago and why was he important? 7. Who was an el pipila? 8. Explain who Morelos was and how he impacted the revolution.

Liberals vs Conservatives   Two camps of thoughts developed during the War for Independence Liberals wanted to copy the reform governments like the United States and France Conservatives who wanted Mexico to exist very much the way it did during the Colonial Era with support for the Church and landed economic systems. Conservatives sided with the Church and mercantilism Liberals sided with the French Revolution that wanted to end these privileges and wanted to modernize the economy.

Partner work 9. Compare and contrast 2 differences of the conservatives and liberals.

The Movement Continues One of the most prominent leaders to continue the struggle was Vicente Guererro. The Spanish government angered both liberals and conservatives in Mexico by being too liberal Forced both sides to agree on the criollo officer Agustin de Iturbide who crowned himself emperor of Mexico on September 28, 1821! His monarchy experiment only lasted a few months because it had no popular base of support. He was overthrown by Guadalupe Victoria and in 1824 a new constitution was written.

Caudillos During this time period, a movement began to develop this strong reliance upon the caudillo. A caudillo is the name given to a strong military person that came to be seen as the only savior for the country during hard times. Antonio Lopez de Santa Ana would become the best example of caudillos throughout Mexico’s early history.

Mexican Independence and Nationalism Class- Criollos take over, some mestizos included Culture- Some signs of emerging Mexican style, still mostly imitating Europe. Color- Some mestizos more accepted, Indians not. Contact- Anglo-American lead expansion. Conflict- Mexican American War of 1846 Change- Anglo occupation of Mexican land, sociocultural struggles.

Independent Work 10. What does caudillo mean what did they do? 11. Name 4 ways Mexico changed after their revolution.