Mexican Independence Movement

Mercantilism

An economic system in which an imperial power extracts resources for it's sole benefit. The colonies cannot manufacture or trade except with the mother country.

Criollos, Creoles

Pure-blooded Spaniards, born in the Americas with social standing below Peninsulares. Resented lack of opportunities. Some were Royalists, some wanted independence.

Las Castas

Racial class system used by Spain. Peninsulares (Spanish born in Spain) were on top, then Criollos (Spanish blood, born in the Americans), mixed race Castas, Indios, and Africans.

Napoleon Bonaparte

Rose to power from the violence and chaos of the French Revolution. Conquered Spain in 1808, deposed the King, and put his brother on the Spanish throne.

New Spain

Spanish Viceroyalty in the Americas, ruled by the Peninsulares under tight Mercantilist polices for the Absolute Monarchy of the Spanish king.

Absolute Monarchy

System of government which was ruled by king and passed by heredity. In this type of government, there is no restraint on the power of the King.

El Grito de Dolores

The 1810 "Cry" by Father Miguel Hidalgo in the town of Dolores, to being a revolution against the Peninsular rulers.

Plan of Iguala

Vague but successful plan that ended Mexico's war of independence and created the country of Mexico under the dictator Agustin de Iturbide in 1821.

American Revolution

1776, 13 British colonies successfully declared their independence from the British Empire. This inspired the 1789 French Revolution, which led to the Napoleonic Wars.

French Revolution

1789 Violent uprising in France that ended the Absolute Monarchy. Aims were freedom and equality for the vast peasant population. Revolution ended in Napoleon's leadership.

Jose Maria Morelos

After Hidalgo's mob lost in battle, another priest led the war for independence in an impressive string of victories but was also cut down and executed in 1815.

Father Miguel Hidalgo

Creole priest, loved by his Mestizo parishioners. Banished by the church to Dolores for his questionable record. He was the first to call for Revolution.

Mesitzo

Another word for the mixed-race people of Mexico which encompasses all of the various "Las Castas"

Viceroy

Peninsular ruler of the Viceroyalties in the Americas on behalf of the King.

Peninsulares

Pure-blooded Spaniards, born in Spain, were few in number but held all positions of wealth and power in New Spain.

Catholicism

The Religion of the Spanish monarchy. All land in the Americas were claimed in the name of the Church and all conquered peoples in the American were forced to convert.

Royalists

The name for anyone supporting the Spanish monarchy (typically the peninsulares) in the Mexican war of independence.

Vincente Guerrero

Third leader of the Mexican Independence Movement who ended up joining forced with Peninsular general who deserted Spain and hatched the Plan of Iguala.