The Loosening and Breaking of Spain's grip on Mexico

  • Period: to

    The Napoleonic Wars

    Who: The Napoleonic Wars center around Napoleon's conquest across Europe and the havoc he caused.
    What: During this time Spain's enemies disrupted their commerce and this led to imported goods flooding the market. Spain was also cut off from colonies because of preoccupation with the Napoleonic Wars.
    When: The Wars waged from 1792-1815
    Where: The Napoleonic Wars were in Europe centering France.
    Why: Mexico's economy was hit along with Spain being unable to maintain as much control.
    (115)
  • Church Assets Siezed

    Church Assets Siezed
    Who: The Spanish Crown acts in this circumstance.
    What: In order to fund War efforts, church assets were seized from the American Viceroyalty.
    When: This occurred sometime in the year 1804
    Where: The Viceroyalty was in Mexico and the crown of course resided in Spain.
    Why: This removed wealth and control from the Viceroy in Mexico, weakening the foundation of Spain's hold in America.
    (115)
    Hill, Thomas, Old Colonial Spanish Church, -, -, -
  • Peninsulares Coup

    Peninsulares Coup
    Who: This involved American Peninsulares and Criollo elites.
    What: During the Spanish war of independence, Criollos elites with the sitting Viceroy declared that Mexico would have a provisional counsel until the Monarchy was restored. "Peninsulares carried out a coup and placed one of their own on the Viceroy's throne".
    When: This occurred in 1808 after Napoleon's usurpation.
    Where: This happened in New Spain.
    Why: This showed the distrust between Criollos and Peninsulares.
    (115-116)
  • Napoleon Usurps the Spanish Throne

    Napoleon Usurps the Spanish Throne
    Who: This involved Napoleon Bonaparte, his brother Joseph, and Spain's King Charles IV
    What: Napoleon Bonaparte entered on false pretenses into Spain and replaces King Charles IV with his brother Joseph
    When: This occurred in 1808.
    Where: This happened in Spain.
    Why: This led to a revolution in Spain and forced New Spain to decide on temporary new leadership by itself.
    (115-116)
    David, Jacques-Louis, Napoleon Crossing the Alps, 1808, Château de Malmaison, Rueil-Malmaison
  • Military Units Rebel in Nuevo Santander

    Military Units Rebel in Nuevo Santander
    Who: This involved Antonio Cordero and his forces.
    What: When faced by a rebel force, all of Antonio Cordero's command defected.
    When: This occurred in December of 1810
    Where: This happened in Nuevo Santander
    Why: This showed the affection Mexican forces had for insurgents, as most northeastern provinces began shifting their allegiance to the rebellion.
    (117)
    Milenioscuro, Localización del estadeo de Tamaulipas en México, 2016
  • Father Hidalgo Speaks to the People

    Father Hidalgo Speaks to the People
    Who: This speech was made by Father Hidalgo.
    What: Miguel Hidalgo rung the bells of his church to gather the locals. He made a plea to them for aid in a rebellion against Spain in order to make Mexico self-governed.
    When: This occurred September 16th, 1810.
    Where: This happened in Dolores, Mexico.
    Why: The impact of his speech locally was neither massive nor instant, but its sentiment spread and aided the gathering of rebels.
    (117)
    Ramírez, Joaquín, Portrait of Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla, 1865
  • Republican Army of the North

    Republican Army of the North
    Who: Gutierrez de Lara raises an army.
    What: After meeting with U.S. Officials in Washington D.C. and Louisiana Local Authorities, Gutierrez received permission to begin the recruitment of an army.
    When: This occurred in the early months of 1811 to spring of 1812.
    Where: The army was raised around the Louisiana.
    Why: This was a significant sign of support from the U.S. in the cause of the Mexican Rebellion.
    (119)
  • The Casas Revolt

    The Casas Revolt
    Who: This involved Juan Bautista se las Cases
    What: He led a coup against Salcedo, the Governer of San Antonio/Bexar. His antagonization of powerful families and supporters of Father Juan Manuel Zambrano led to him being removed as governor and Salcedo being reinstated.
    When: This occurred January 11, 1811.
    Where: This happened in San Antonio/Bexar
    Why: This showed Texas' hesitance to support the rebellion and their loose reliance on Spanish support.
    (118)
    Image found used without citation
  • Texas Officials Join in Independence from Spain

    Texas Officials Join in Independence from Spain
    Who: This involved Texan civilian and military officials from Bexar and La Bahia.
    What: After The Plan of Iguala had been signed in February, Texas officials finally took the oath to the new nation.
    When: Bexar officials took the oath on July 19th of 1821, and La Bahia followed soon after.
    Where: The approval necessary to join Texas into the new nation were from those governing Bexar and La Bahia
    (129)
    Why: Afraid to lose royal connections, Texas was extremely hesitant to join in independence.
  • The Plan of Iguala

    The Plan of Iguala
    Who: This agreement was signed by rebel Vicente Guerrero and Spanish officer Agustin de Iturbide.
    What: Instead of attacking, Iturbide came to an agreement with Guerrero and created The Plan of Iguala. This guaranteed Mexico separation from Spain.
    When: This occurred on February 24th, 1821.
    Where: This happened in Iguala, Mexico.
    Why: This indicated an end to the Mexico-Spain conflict and encouraged Texas to join in independence.
    (129)
    Miranda, Primitiva, Portrait as Emperor of Mexico, 1865