Mexico gained independence from Spain due to various factors such as economic exploitation, social inequalities, and political discontentment that led to a desire for self-rule and sovereignty.
For those who wish to receive additional information
Mexico gained independence from Spain in 1821 after a long period of struggle. The reasons for this desire for self-rule were multifaceted and include economic exploitation, social inequalities, and political discontentment. Spain had been in control of Mexico for over 300 years, and during this time, the country had become increasingly impoverished as a result of Spanish economic policies. This led to widespread poverty and unrest among the Mexican people.
Moreover, social inequalities were rife in Mexico, with the indigenous population and those of mixed-race facing discrimination and oppression. They were often denied rights and access to education and political power, leading to further discontentment with Spanish rule.
Finally, political discontentment was also a significant factor in Mexico’s desire for independence. The country was controlled by Spanish bureaucrats, who were often corrupt and unsympathetic to the needs of the Mexican people. As a result, many Mexicans sought a more representative, democratic government.
“A nation may lose its liberties in a day and not miss them in a century.” – Baron de Montesquieu
Interesting facts about Mexican independence include:
-
The Mexican War of Independence began on September 16th, 1810, when Father Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla gave his famous “Grito de Dolores” speech.
-
The war lasted for over a decade, with many ups and downs for both sides.
-
The Mexican flag was designed during the War of Independence, and its colors have significant symbolism.
-
The final battle for independence took place in Mexico City in 1821, where the Spanish royalists were defeated by the Mexican army.
-
Mexico’s independence from Spain was the first of many struggles for independence throughout the Americas, inspiring movements in other countries such as Venezuela, Colombia, and Peru.
Table:
Factors that led to Mexico’s independence |
---|
Economic exploitation |
Social inequalities |
Political discontentment |
Other methods of responding to your inquiry
By the 19th century many Mexicans wanted to separate from Spain and create a sovereign government that would act on behalf of their own interests much like the movement for American independence from British rule in the late 18th century. The desire for independence from Spanish rule first formally emerged in 1810.
Mexico gained independence from Spain after a decade-long war of independence (1810-1821) led by criollos (people of Spanish descent born in Mexico) who wanted more autonomy from the colonial power. The war ended with the Plan of Iguala, a proclamation that declared Mexico a sovereign nation, allied with the Catholic Church, and equal for all races. Spain recognized Mexico’s independence in 1836 by signing the María–Calatrava Treaty.
The Plan of Iguala, a proclamation which Iturbide authored together with the rebel leader Vicente Guerrero in 1821, proclaimed Mexico’s independence from Spain while reaffirming the country’s alliance with the Roman Catholic Church and establishing equal rights for both criollos and peninsulares.
On , Spain legitimized the independence of Mexico by signing the María–Calatrava Treaty. By doing so, Mexico became the first Spanish colony to declare sovereignty.
Video response to “Why did Mexico gain independence from Spain?”
The Mexican War of Independence was influenced by the complex political and social structure of the Viceroyalty of New Spain, which included the audiencias, cabildo, intendencies, and captaincies general, and the casta system, which assigned social, economic, and other privileges based on racial background. The Bourbon reforms of the 18th century led to more direct Spanish control over the colonies, generating opposition to Spanish rule. The spark for the revolution came with the Peninsular War that started in 1807 and the coup against Viceroy Iturrigaray. Multiple Viceroys were appointed but failed to address the unrest, leading to Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla leading the first Mexican independence movement. The revolution faced stalemate until Agustín Cosme Damián de Iturbide y Arámburu brought divided factions together under the Three Guarantees agreement, forming the Army of the Three Guarantees, leading to the end of the Mexican War of Independence. Agustín de Iturbide later became Emperor Agustín I of Mexico but faced opposition from both the conservatives and republicans, ultimately abdicating in 1823 and later being executed. Despite his defeat, Miguel Hidalgo became a symbol of Mexican independence, serving as an embodiment of the country’s struggles for democracy and autonomy that continued for the next century.
Surely you will be interested
Keeping this in consideration, What caused Mexican independence from Spain?
As a response to this: In 1820, liberals took power in Spain, and the new government promised reforms to appease the Mexican revolutionaries. In response, Mexican conservatives called for independence as a means of maintaining their privileged position in Mexican society.
Secondly, When did Mexico gain independence from Spain? Response to this: 1821
When Mexico achieved its independence from Spain in 1821, it included most of the viceroyalty of New Spain, minus the Caribbean and the Philippines.
Similar
Considering this, Who was Mexico trying to gain independence? Answer: The Mexican War of Independence (Spanish: Guerra de Independencia de México, 16 September 1810 – 27 September 1821) was an armed conflict and political process resulting in Mexico’s independence from Spain.
Similar
In this regard, What happened when Mexico gained independence from Spain? After gaining independence in 1821, the country was left in a poor state. Agricultural, mining and industrial production had fallen during the war, and over half a million Mexicans had died. As a new country, Mexico was struggling internally to achieve nationhood.
Then, Why would Spain be against the independence of Mexico? The response is: Spain kept a stranglehold on her colonies, only permitting them limited trade opportunities and generally appointing Spaniards (as opposed to native-born Creoles) to important colonial posts. To the north, the United States had won its independence decades before, and many Mexicans felt they could, too.
Similarly, Why did Mexico want their independence from Spain?
The response is: Why did Mexico want independence from Spain? Mexico wanted independence because they thought Spain was being acting as a corrupt leader and were stealing resources from them. What is the main reason Mexico wanted independence?
Did Mexico deafeat Spain? Response: The fighting, begun on October 26, 1821, was concluded by the Mexican Navy when it defeated the last Spanish stronghold in Mexico on November 23, 1825. Protection of the seas and ambitions in Cuba Map of the West Indies, with Cuba in the center, drawn by Herman Moll in 1736.
What happened after Mexico gained independence from Spain?
In reply to that: What happened after Mexico gained independence from Spain? After the Independence, Mexico became the largest country in Spanish America. In 1845, the USA admitted the independent state of Texas into the Union, despite warnings from the Mexican government that to do so would mean war.