On September 16, 1810,  Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla encouraged Mexicans to stand up against the government of Spain. This was the beginning of Mexican Independence Day.

 “My Children, a new dispensation comes to us today…Will you free yourselves? Will you recover the lands stolen 300 years ago from your forefathers by the hated Spaniards? We must act at once.”- Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla

Independence for the Mexicans was not won on September 10, 1810, but it was surely a start of the journey that would one day bring the country its independence. It took 11 years before the county was actually freed from Spain. The Mexicans wanted to recover the land that was stolen from them 300 years prior.

11-year Timeline for the Mexicans fighting for their Independence from Spain

September 16, 1810, Miguel Hildalgo

At 6 a.m a Mexican priest by the name of Miguel Hidalgo declared independence from Spain. This was the start of the Grito de Dolores or “Cry of Dolores.

September 28, 1810, The Granary was captured!

The granary, where royalist officers and Spaniards fought for their lives and those of their families, was captured by the rebel army! Spaniard and the Criollos used murder with the hope of having independence.

October 10, 1810, Battle of Monte se las Cruces

Hidalgo’s army fought and won the battle of Monte de las Cruces, but they did not defeat the Spanish in Mexico city.

January 1, 1811, Battle of Bridge of Calderon

The battle of the Bridge of Calderon was also won by Hildago’s army. This battle forced the army to run for the Mexican border to escape. While fleeing for the border they were captured by the Spaniards. They were left with no hope.

July 30, 1811, Higalago's death

After being captured by the Spaniards, Higalog was executed. His head was displayed in Guanajuato as a warning to the Mexican rebels.

June 1, 1813, A New Leader

Almost 3 years after the death of Miguel Hidalgo’ds death, Jose Maria Morales became the new leader of the revolutionary army.

November 6, 1813, Congress of Chilpancingo

The Solemn Act of the Declaration of Independence, the first official document of independence was signed, but there was still war.

December 22, 1815, Jose Maria Morelos death

Jose Maria Morelos was captured by the Spanish authorities and tried and executed for treason.

January 1-3 1820, Agustin de Iturbide

January 1, 1820 – Royalist, Agustin de Iturbide, was forced to lead the final battle against the revolutionaries. Spanish authorities thought that Iturbide may be able to end the independence movement. Iturbide was afraid of losing power, but he for the Mexican Independence anyway.

January 2, 1820 – Iturbide 3 part proposal

• Mexico would gain independence but be a monarchy
• creoles and Pininsulares will have equal rights
• Roman Catholic Church will be the official church of Mexico

This 3 part proposal brought together the Creoles, Pininsulares, Royalist, and Rebels to fight for the independence of Mexico.

January 3, 1820 – The Convalescence stage brought everyone together to fight for their Independence!

January 1-3 1821, Mexico Gains Independence

1 year after the 3 part proposal of Agustin de Iturbide, Mexico became independent from Spain! Agustin de Iturbide also became Emperor Agustin I of Mexico!