M E X I C O The Road to Independence In the 1600’s, Spain was one of the richest and most powerful empires in the world. New Spain was one of its most important colonies. By the early 1800’s, however, Spain was losing control of its empire. The cost of wars with France, Holland, and Britain had weakened Spain. At the same time, colonists in New Spain, like people in other parts of the world, began to call for independence. Seeking Independence In the early 1800’s, the people of New Spain faced many difficulties. Most of them did not have much money. Although New Spain was wealthy, only a small number of people owned most of its resources. Mestizos and Indians had little money and few goods. They were angry about the poor conditions in which they lived. Creoles were also unhappy with Spanish rule. Many people were influenced by ideas of government that were popular at the time. In the late 1700’s, the American Revolution gave people around the world an example of how citizens should govern themselves. The American colonies declared their independence from British rule in 1776. In 1789, the French revolution began. The citizens of France overthrew their king and took control of the government. The American and French revolutions encouraged people in New Spain, who wanted independence from Spain. The Cry of Dolores New Spain's independence movement begin in a small village called Dolores. In 1809, a poor harvest lead to food shortages and high prices. The people of new Spain grew angry with the government. The people grew hungrier. A few hours before dawn on September 16, 1810, a Creole priest named Father Miguel Hidalgo rang the bell in Dolores that was usually rung to call people to church. This time, he used the bell to call people to fight against the Peninsulares . The shouts of the people were known as “The Cry of Dolores.” Father Hidalgo urged Indians, Mestizos, and Creoles to demand equal rights with New Spain's Peninsulares Father Hidalgo’s movement spread. Revolts broke out in other parts of new Spain. About 80,000 people joined Father Hidalgo’s struggle. They overthrew the Spanish leaders in towns and in larger cities. 1811, Spanish troops caught up with the rebels. They captured Father Hidalgo, who was later killed. One of Father Hidalgo’s followers, Jose Maria Morelos, took over as leader. He called for food, equal rights, and independence. The Spanish defeated Morelos. However, small groups of people such as those led by Vincent de Guerrero, continued to fight. In 1820, new leaders in Spain announced plans to end special rights for the military and the Catholic Church. The wealthy Creoles and Peninsulares of New Spain were angry. They were the people who received most of those rights. They decided they did not want to be ruled by Spain. The Creoles and Peninsulares joined the fight for independence. Independent Mexico Spanish military leader Agustin de Iturbide switched sides. He joined forces with Vincent de Guerrero and his mountain forces. They formed an army called the Army of the Three Guarantees. They called for independence from Spain, equal rights for Creoles, and protection of the Catholic Church in new Spain. It quickly took control of most of New Spain. On August 24, 1821, Spain was forced to sign a treaty to end the war. New Spain had won its independence. The new country became known as Mexico. Independence did not solve all of Mexico's problems. Many people were still poor. They did not have land or a way to earn enough money for their families. People disagreed for many years about how to solve these problems. Mexico's leaders signed a constitution to create a democratic government in 1824. Mexico has been an independent republic ever since.