1. Independence for Mexico and Central America On September 15 th, 1810, Father Hidalgo rang church bells to get people attention for a prayer but this was really meant for a gathering to address an urgent appeal. His message; today known as “El Grito de Dolores”; were never forgotten “My Children, will you be free? Will you make the effort to recover the land stolen from your forefathers by the hated spaniards 300years ago?”

2. Jose Morelos He was a priest who picked up the band revolution. He was a mestizo who called for wide-ranging social and political reform. Wanted to improve conditions for Mexicans, abolish slaver and give vote to all men. He led rebel forces for four years before he was captured and shot in 1815.

3. Independence Achieved In 1820, Liberals forced the king to issue a constitution in Spain. Agustin de Ilturbide; who was alarmed by this move; feared that Spanish government might impose liberal forms on colonies as well. In 1821, he joined the liberals; he was backed up by Creoles, Mestizos, and Native Americans, overthrowing the Spanish viceroy. He later took the title Emperor Agustin I. However though liberal Mexicans topped the would-be monarch and then set up the Republic of Mexico.

4. New Republics in Central America In the 1820’s Spanish ruled lands in Central America declared independence.

5. Connections to Today