1. The Mexican War of Independence
(Aka “The Creoles are Revolting!”)
Rui W.

2. A Bit of Context 1521 - Conquering of Mexico
By the 1800s, Creoles + Natives outnumbered Peninsulares.
Mexico first conquered by Spanish conquistadors in 1512.
By 1800s, Indigenous and Creoles outnumbered Creoles.
Despite that, Peninsulares held absolute power.
Events in Europe sow seeds of revolution.
Ideas of The Enlightenment
Napoleon
Weakening grasp of Mexico allowed for first revolts.
1700s s, Enlightenment and new ideas.
Napoleon invades Spain.
Start of war and revolts.

3. Causes for Revolution 1500s - 1810 - Leading up to War .
Social Hierarchy imposed over the colonies that set the Peninsular
as the top of the pyramid. Caused unrest from Creoles.
Inequality and lack of rights if one was not a Peninsulare.
Mistreatment/lack of rights of working class of people in the colonies.
Control of the Spanish Peninsulares over political and subject matters over the Creoles.
Laws and taxes issued by the Spanish government over the colonists.
“The Royal Fifth”
1500s Leading up to War .

4. Important People/Groups of People
Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla - rallied the people against Spanish authority. He became the symbol of the revolution.
Hidalgo’s Uprising
Important People/Groups of People
Jose Morelos - Picked up Hidalgo’s flag after his death and continued the insurgence.
Hidalgo’s Death
Vicente Guerrero - Led the Mexican forces after Morelos’ death. Joined with Iturbide and concluded the war.
Morelos’ Death
Revolution is taken over by Guerrero and Iturbide
Mestizos, Zambos, Negros, and Indigenous Peoples - All groups underneath Creoles played a key role in the War for Independence. The groups made up a portion of the manpower.
Augustín de Iturbide - officialized Mexican independence and became emperor of Mexico (but was overthrown).

5. Goals of the Revolution
Sought to displace the Peninsulares but allow the Creoles to maintain their position in society.
Promised to give rights the all castes of people (mainly Creoles)
Break free of Spanish control.
Establish an independent state.
What they were fighting for.

6. Results and Aftermath
Set the status of the Creoles to the top position, the Peninsulares were driven out.
Non-Creoles gained rights, however, less than their pure blooded Mexican Creoles.
Displaced the Spanish rule from the colonies.
Established a constitutional monarchy (Iturbide), which was later overthrown to become a republic.
Sections broke off to form new states.
Eventual freedom for slaves (1829 by Guerrera)
The year Iturbide and Guerrero officially gain independence of Mexico. The treaty of Cordóba is signed.

7. That will be all. Questions?
Interesting Fact:
Mexico granted their slaves freedom around 36 years before the United States did, and inaugurated their first black president 180 years before Obama even took office.

8. References and Sites Used:
Traditions and Encounters - 6th edition
HISTORY.com
Various sources derived from the wikipedia citations pages.
New World Encyclopedia
Mexoline.com