Final answer:
Mexico's fight for independence from Spain is characterized by themes of social reform, national sovereignty, and class struggle, with leaders like Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla and José María Morelos pushing for both political and social transformation.
Step-by-step explanation:
Major Themes in Mexico's Fight for Independence
The major themes prevalent in Mexico's fight for independence include a desire for social reform, the quest for national sovereignty, and the struggle between different social classes, such as creoles and castas (indigenous and mixed-race people). Key figures like Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla and José María Morelos played pivotal roles in mobilizing the masses, emphasizing land reform and independence from Spanish rule. Initially, this movement was revolutionary, not only in the sense of political autonomy but also through its focus on social changes, such as the abolition of slavery and the casta system, and the introduction of land reforms.
Internally, the movement was marked by divisions, primarily between the conservative upper-class creoles and the lower-class mestizos and indigenous populations. Morelos sought an end to these social disparities and convened a wartime congress that outlined Mexico's plans for independence and social reform. The movement's eventual success relied on fostering a sense of Mexican nationalism, offering a pragmatic approach by those in power to maintain the social hierarchy while achieving independence.