Above: The main square of the small town of Dolores Hidalgo, Guanajuato was the setting for the birth of the movement for freedom; it all started with a a battle cry right here…
Surely you have heard about the famous (or infamous) conquistador Hernan Cortes; his conquest of Mexico began in 1519. Cities were toppled and rulers deposed; a new era and a new race was formed; some for the good, while some were simply evil...
THE OTHER CONQUEST: COLONIAL MEXICO
The Spaniards had conquered; a new era began: Nueva España. Mexico became a viceroyalty of Spain; its capital was built upon the ruins of Tenochtitlán and renamed ‘México Tenochtitlán’, renamed again in 1584 as ‘La Ciudad de México’ – Mexico City. New laws were instated, such as one stating no cruelty to the indigenous people, but they were not exactly enforced. Some colonial officials such as Nuño de Guzmán became notorious for their cruelty.
The Spanish crown sent the Catholic church to the new land and convert the pagans; churches went up left and right, using indigenous people as workers (some would say slaves). Along with it went the Spanish Inquisition and the auto de fé – public ceremonies of the Inquisition kind that included hangings and burnings of the heathen. This went on from 1571 to 1850 – when the very last auto de fé took place. That is not to say that all clergy were evil; there were a few, such as Vasco de Quiroga. who defended the indigenous people and truly did portray love.
The indigenous people may have been protected, but they had no rights in the eyes of the Crown. Three centuries of this can leave a bad taste…
VIVA MEXICO! THE CRY FOR INDEPENDENCE
We now arrive in 1810. The encomienda system is in place: land, property and slaves are given to high-ranking Spaniards: appointed officials, military and the rich; the Catholic church controls the rest.
Put yourself in their sandals. Imagine yourself as an indigenous person of Mexico: Your people were once under the cruel Mexica/Azteca dominion. Your people thought they were finally free of domination; your people even assisted Cortés and his cronies to usurp the Mexicas! Along comes the Catholic church, telling you about their just, all-loving God, convincing you- more often than not by force- to convert to Catholicism – or die. You were made slaves by the very people you thought came to set you free. The church which talked about love does not even allow you entrance into the churches your people labored to build. You are not allowed to own land or horses- those are privileges given only to those with pure Spanish blood.
Try another pair of shoes on. Picture yourself as a Meztizo (part Spanish, part indigenous). While Spanish blood flows through your veins, your blood is ‘tainted’ and therefore your rights are limited; you are considered to be above indigenous; below Criollo.
Change shoes: now you are a Criollo– a person of pure Spanish blood, but born in Mexico. Sure, you’re pure-blooded, but still considered lower than the high-ranking Peninsulares: those born in Spain. While some Criollos have positions of power, the Peninsulares (AKA by the derogatory term, Gachupines) are given preference by the Crown. You are highly-educated, well-read and familiar with the ‘Enlightenment’; freedom, democracy and Utopia are discussed in your circle. Many ‘enlightened’ circles speak of discontent, with talk of overthrowing the Gachupines and ending the privileges that are making nobles and the church richer. Think about it. Unless you are a Gachupín, you can understand why a revolt is inevitable.
Secret meetings were held all over New Spain, although it was treason to even whisper of freedom from the Crown. These groups were not exclusively male; highly-educated Criollo women also partook in discussions. One of Mexico’s greatest heroines, Josefa Ortiz de Domínguez (AKA La Corregidora/magistrate), was such a woman. She and her magistrate husband were sympathizers; she convinced him to allow political meetings in their home (the Querétaro Conspiracy). Attendees included Captains Aldama and Allende (sympathizer priest Miguel Hidalgo in nearby Dolores was later informed).
A revolution was planned for December, but early morning September 16th, the Gachupín authorities discovered the conspiracy and ordered the magistrate to apprehend the rebel leaders. He locked up Josefa in her room to keep her from informing anyone; she found a way to get word out, and the leaders fled. Hidalgo, enraged at the discovery, took matters into his hands. History says he freed local prisoners, imprisoned the Gachupines, rang the church bells and called his underprivileged parishioners to arms:
“Viva Fernando Séptimo! Muera el mal gobierno! Mueran los Gachupines!” (Long live Fernando VII, death to bad government, death to the Gachupines!)
Truth be told, what the ‘Grito’ actually included is disputed; the above is the most consistent of the many versions. But no matter what- it was pretty radical- coming from a priest of Spanish blood!
Footnote: The first Mexican Constitution was signed on October 22nd, 1814. The war raged until September 27, 1821. Independence was finally won.
