Mexican Independence and the Grito de Dolores
The Mexican War of Independence started with a midnight shout, not a ceremony. Discover how a local priest sparked an eleven-year fight for freedom.
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The revolution wasn't just a change in government; it was a fundamental shift in how people saw themselves—from 'subjects' of a distant king to 'citizens' of their own land.
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The revolution began prematurely at 2:30 a.m. on September 16, 1810, because the original conspiracy had been discovered by Spanish authorities. Hidalgo and his co-conspirators, including Ignacio Allende, had originally planned to start the uprising in October. However, after receiving a warning from Josefa Ortiz de Domínguez that the secret was out and arrests were being made, Hidalgo decided they had to act immediately, leading him to ring the church bell in Dolores to gather the townspeople.
The rebellion was fueled by deep-seated social and political frustrations within the colonial system. Creoles, who were of Spanish descent but born in Mexico, were resentful because they were barred from the highest levels of government power, which were reserved for Spanish-born Peninsulares. Additionally, the movement was a response to a legitimacy crisis in 1808 when Napoleon Bonaparte invaded Spain and replaced King Ferdinand VII with his brother, Joseph. This caused colonists to question who held rightful authority over Mexico, while the lower classes sought an end to slavery, the return of stolen lands, and relief from centuries of oppression.
In October 1810, after winning a costly battle at Monte de las Cruces, Hidalgo’s army of eighty thousand people had a clear path to the capital. However, he hesitated for three days and then ordered a retreat, a decision that remains a subject of historical debate. Some historians suggest he wanted to avoid a repeat of the violent massacre and looting that occurred in Guanajuato, while others believe his ragtag army was simply running out of essential supplies and ammunition. This retreat proved to be a fatal turning point, as it allowed the Spanish royalist forces time to reorganize and eventually defeat the rebels.
Unlike Hidalgo, who led a massive but largely untrained "mob," Morelos was a military strategist who focused on creating a disciplined, professional army capable of holding territory through guerrilla warfare. Morelos also expanded the political vision of the movement through his document "Sentiments of the Nation," which formally declared independence from Spain and called for radical social reforms. He advocated for the total abolition of slavery, the end of the racial caste system, and the principle that all citizens should be equal before the law.
The conflict ended through an unlikely political pivot in 1820 when a liberal revolution in Spain threatened the privileges of the conservative elite in Mexico. Fearing these new liberal reforms, wealthy Creoles and Church leaders who had previously fought against independence decided to support it to preserve their own status. Agustín de Iturbide, a royalist officer, joined forces with rebel leader Vicente Guerrero under the Plan of Iguala. This plan established the "Three Guarantees"—Religion, Independence, and Union—which unified the various factions and led to the signing of the Treaty of Córdoba in 1821, officially recognizing Mexico as an independent nation.
Creado por exalumnos de la Universidad de Columbia en San Francisco
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Creado por exalumnos de la Universidad de Columbia en San Francisco
"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."
"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."
"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."
"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."
"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."
"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."
"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."
"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."
"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"
"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."
"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."
"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"
"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."
"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."
"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."
"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."
"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."
"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."
"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."
"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."
"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"
"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."
"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."
"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"
"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."
"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."
"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."
"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."
"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."
"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."
"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."
"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."
"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"
"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."
"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."
"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"
