by Frances Stanford

Created on: September 22, 2008

The economic and political activities in Europe and the Thirteen Colonies during the late 18th and early 19th centuries set the stage for the events in Mexico that led to its independence. During this time the government of the country was in the hands of viceroys who were very incompetent. Spain's interest in dealing with the problems it was encountering with France and Britain diverted its attention away from is colonies. Under Spanish rule, the native peoples were very resentful of the Spanish interference in their daily activities and were, therefore, very resentful of the viceroy's authority, In addition, the people saw the results of revolution in the US, Haiti and France in helping the people overcome oppression.

It was Napoleon invaded Spain in 1808, he placed his brother, Joseph, on the throne of Spain. This action set the events in motion that would eventually lead to Mexican independence from Spain. The Creole people claimed that he was not a legitimate Spanish ruler and attempted to take over the government. The Spaniards quickly put down this revolt, but it was enough to sow the seeds of discontent. Various groups of Creole leaders continued in their endeavours. One of these groups was led by Father Miguel Hildago y Castilla, who called upon the villagers to help him resist arrest by the Spanish authorities. The result was that 60,000 people answered his call and even though Hildago was captured and executed, September 16, the day of the fighting, is still regarded as Independence Day in the country.

In spite of the failure the movement for independence continued and one of the followers of Hildago, Jose Martin Morelos y Pavon, took the reins. He organized the people and started to gain control of the country. By 1813, he controlled much of the southern part of Mexico. He was eventually defeated by the better trained Spanish troops.

Fighting continued in guerrilla warfare by small pockets of resistance. In 1820, there was revolt in Spain itself in an effort to force the king to support a liberal constitution that would curtail the privileges of teh Church, the army and those who owned property. This constitution would extend to Mexico as well. This changed the minds of those in Mexico striving for independence who now decided to join with the conservative forces in pushing for this constitution.

Mexico's independence was proclaimed in 1821 when the combined forces of General Agustin de Iturbide and General Guerroro defeated the Spanish troops. Iturbide rode into Mexico to proclaim independence and became the emperor. This proved to be a mistake because he was corrupt. A cup d'etat deposed him in 1823.

Shortly after, a Mexican constitution declaring the country to be a republic was drawn up. However, the government continued to be weak and unstable for the next 35 years largely due to the illiterate peasant population and the power of the landowners.

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