Grito de Dolores: Mexico's Independence Ignited
Father Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla rang the bell of his church in the small town of Dolores on the morning of September 16, 1810, calling his parishioners to arms against Spanish colonial rule. His speech, known as the Grito de Dolores (Cry of Dolores), rallied thousands of Indigenous and mestizo peasants who marched on the nearby city of Guanajuato. Hidalgo's revolt was more social uprising than military campaign: his poorly armed followers sacked haciendas and massacred Spanish-born residents. He was captured and executed in 1811, but the movement he ignited continued for a decade under Jose Maria Morelos and others. Mexico finally achieved independence in 1821. September 16 is celebrated as Mexican Independence Day.
September 16, 1810
216 years ago
Key Figures & Places
Spain
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Mexico
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Mexican War of Independence
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Miguel Hidalgo
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priest
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Grito de Dolores
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Grito de Dolores
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Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla
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Mexican War of Independence
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Fiestas Patrias (Mexico)
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Dolores Hidalgo
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Mexico
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History of Mexico
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Spain
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