Glencoe World History: Modern Times © 2011 Virginia Edition

Mexican Independence

Introduction
Successful revolutions in the United States (1776), France (1789), and Haiti (1804), gave rise to Mexico’s aspirations for independence from colonial rule. After Mexico declared its independence in 1810, Mexico’s wars of independence commenced and lasted for over a decade ending in 1821. In this activity students will learn about Mexico’s wars of independence and two major figures in the Mexican independence movement, Miguel Hidalgo and José Morales.

Destination Title: Mexico

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Directions

• Click on “Wars of Independence, 1810-21” and read the information.
• Go back and click on “Hidalgo and Morelos” and read the information.
• Go back and click on “Iturbide and the Plan of Iguala” and read the information.
• Take notes as you read.

Use the information you found to answer the following questions.

1			How did events in Europe contribute to political upheaval in Mexico on the eve of Mexican independence?
2			What was the "Grito de Colores"?
3			Who was José Morelos, and what did he do?
4			When did Mexico win its independence? How long after the deaths of Hidalgo and Morelos did this happen?
5			You have read about the two major figures in the Mexican independence movement. Choose one of them and write a short biography.