Global Events That Fueled Mexican Independence
International Catalysts
- French Revolution (1789–1799): Inspired republican ideals; weakened Spain.
- Napoleonic Wars (1803–1815): Spain preoccupied, leaving colonies vulnerable.
- British Support: Britain backed independence to undermine Spain; trade ties grew.
- Spanish American Revolutions: Successes in Argentina, Venezuela inspired Mexicans.
Domestic Turning Points
- Peninsular War (1808–1814): French occupation of Spain created a power vacuum; creoles saw chance for self-rule.
- Hidalgo's Rebellion (1810): "Cry of Dolores" sparked popular uprising; Hidalgo later executed.
- Morelos' Leadership (1811–1815): Captured cities, mobilized Indigenous support.
- Iturbide's Plan of Iguala (1821): Proposed independence, equality, constitutional monarchy.
- Treaty of Córdoba (1821): Spanish viceroy accepted independence; Mexico declared sovereign September 28, 1821.
Summary
A confluence of global upheavals and internal momentum—especially the Napoleonic disruption of Spanish control—drove Mexico to independence.
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