How Mexico Broke Free From Spain (1810–1821)

Imagine your town has a boss who lives far away and never visits. He sets rules, takes taxes, and ignores your voice. One day, a bell rings. People run to the plaza. “It’s time!” someone cries. That rush, that hope—that’s how the Mexican War of Independence felt.

Short answer: The Mexican War of Independence was the long fight from 1810 to 1821 where people in Mexico rose up against Spain to become their own country.

Why People Wanted Freedom

Life was not fair. Many people paid heavy taxes and had little say. Rules came from Spain, far away. People wanted land, chances, and a voice. They wanted to choose their own leaders.

The Spark: The Grito de Dolores (September 16, 1810)

Before sunrise, a priest named Miguel Hidalgo rang a church bell in Dolores. He called the town to stand up. People grabbed what they had—sticks, farm tools—and marched. They carried a banner of Our Lady of Guadalupe. Hope spread fast.

Heroes and Leaders

• Miguel Hidalgo: A priest who started the call. Brave, loud, and bold.
• José María Morelos: A smart leader who organized the fight and called for equal rights.
• Vicente Guerrero: He kept going when times were hard. He would not give up.
• Agustín de Iturbide: A commander who once fought for Spain, then helped seal independence with a plan for peace.

Big Turning Points

• 1810: Hidalgo’s bell rings. The movement begins.
• 1811–1815: The fight grows. Morelos leads. Ideas of freedom and equal rules spread.
• 1821: The Plan of Iguala promises independence and unity. People rally behind it.
• 1821: The Treaty of Córdoba confirms it—Mexico is independent.

What Independence Changed

No more “New Spain.” Mexico became Mexico. People could build their own laws and choose leaders at home. A new flag waved. A new chapter began.

Not the Same as Cinco de Mayo

Independence Day in Mexico is September 16, the day of the Grito. Cinco de Mayo is a later battle in 1862. Both are proud days, but they are different stories.

Fast Timeline You Can Remember

• 1808: Trouble in Spain shakes control in the Americas.
• 1810: Hidalgo’s cry—people rise up.
• 1813: Morelos calls for a free Mexico.
• 1815: The struggle gets tough, but it continues.
• 1821 (Plan of Iguala): A path to peace and unity.
• 1821 (Treaty of Córdoba): Independence confirmed.

Easy Way to Picture It

Think of a big group project. For years, a boss far away makes all choices. The team says, “We can do this ourselves.” They make a plan, shake hands, and start fresh. That’s independence.

Why It Still Matters Today

Independence taught a simple truth: people deserve a voice. Every year, on September 16, bells ring again. The shout for freedom—El Grito—still echoes. It reminds everyone that courage can change a country.

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