Final answer:
Mexican independence began with Miguel Hidalgo's Grito de Dolores in 1810 and was continued by José Maria Morelos, who sought social reform. Despite initial defeats, creoles' fears of losing privileges led to the Plan de Iguala by Agustín de Iturbide, aligning forces with Vicente Guerrero, ultimately resulting in independence and a brief monarchy.
Step-by-step explanation:
The battle for Mexican independence from Spanish rule was a prolonged and complex socio-political upheaval that spanned the early 19th century. Initiated by a creole priest named Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla in 1810, the call for independence famously began with the 'Grito de Dolores,' a passionate speech rallying the masses for liberation and social reform. Although Hidalgo's revolt drew a large following of indigenous and mestizo peasants, it was suppressed, and Hidalgo was executed for treason.
The Mexican War of Independence continued under the leadership of another priest, José Maria Morelos, who convened a congress that crafted the 'Decreto Constitucional para la Libertad de la America Mexica,' a constitution that formalized Mexico's independence. Morelos's movement underscored the quest for both political and social change, seeking to abolish slavery and the casta system. Despite Morelos' execution in 1815, the quest for independence did not wane.
Creole elites, fearing the loss of privileges afforded by the Spanish crown, further ignited the independence movement. In 1821, Agustín de Iturbide presented the Plan de Iguala, outlining a vision for an independent constitutional monarchy with protections for the Catholic Church and equality across social classes. This culminated in a successful alliance with Vicente Guerrero, leading to an independent Mexico and Iturbide's brief reign as emperor.
Throughout the struggle, societal divisions, particularly between the creoles and castas, significantly influenced the trajectory of the independence movement. The role of religious authority was also nuanced, with priests instigating and propelling the rebellion. Comparisons to other independence movements in the Americas draw attention to shared aspirations and distinct paths toward autonomy. Each revolution was unique, but all were united in their quest to overthrow colonial rule and establish self-determination.