The Cry of Dolores
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Napoleon invaded Spain and imprisoned Ferdinand VII this allowed Mexican and South American rebels to set up their own governments and yet claim loyalty to the imprisoned Spanish King. Don Miguel Gregorio Antonio Ignacio Hidalgo y Costilla (1753 –1811) Catholic priest, leader of the Mexican War of Independence and recognized as the Father of The Nation. Some people mistakenly believe that “Cinco de Mayo” or May 5th, is Mexico's Independence Day. Cinco de Mayo celebrates the unlikely Mexican victory over the French at the Battle of Puebla in 1862. September 16 is one of Mexico's most important holidays. Every year, local mayors and politicians re-enact the famous Grito de Dolores. In Mexico City, thousands congregate in the Zócalo, or main square, on the night of the 15th to hear the President ring the same bell that Hidalgo did and recite the Grito de Dolores. Painting The Cry of Dolores by Juan O'Gorman Father Hidalgo's firme or signature
A popular priest in 1810, Spanish rule he spoke against
those who had overthrown the Spanish Viceroy José de Iturrigaray
A speech calling upon the people to protect in angst
Their King Ferdinand VII was held captive El Rey
Hidalgo rung the bell on the morning of the 16th of September
He took to the pulpit in the town of Dolores, Guanajuato state
Made a shocking announcement that everyone would remember
His parishioners were invited to join him knowing not their fate
“I am taking arms against the tyrannies of the Spanish government”
A parish priest despite his hearing before the Inquisition
Used the knowledge he gained from studying, he was intelligent
Established factories to make bricks and pottery he had good intuition
He knew the value of use of the natural resources of the area
Promoted beekeeping, trained indigenous in the making of leather
A drought in 1807–1808 caused a famine and hysteria
Scientific works, cultivation, the raising of silkworms and literature
After his arrival, he was stunned by the rich soil he had found
Helped the poor by showing them how to grow olives and grapes
In New Spain (modern Mexico) where allowed they weren't wanted around
Devoting himself almost exclusively to humanitarian activities, escapes
Prohibited by colonials to prevent competition with imports from Spain
These violated mercantilist policies designed to protect agriculture industry
Hidalgo was ordered by European-born Spaniards to stop again
Animosity in Hidalgo towards Peninsular-born Spaniards in Mexico City
His goal, to make indigenous and mestizos more self-reliant
Hidalgo lobbied against these practices but was not successful
A professor at the Colegio his ideas were influenced by enlightenment
Angered of the exploitation of mixed race “castas” it was dreadful
Spanish mercantile practices caused misery for native-born Creoles`
Hidalgo awoke one morning went outside and rung the bell
This speech became known as El Grito de Dolores or the "Cry of Dolores"
The battle cry first uttered by Miguel Hidalgo, his yell
The Cry of Dolores would signal the official beginning of the war
He marched across Mexico, gathered men of nearly 90K
Poor farmers and Mexican civilians attack Criollo elites and Spanish Peninsular
Within hours Hidalgo had an army much more than he had planned
A large unruly, poorly armed but resolute mob, his troops lacked training
Fought off the Spanish defense at the Battle of Monte de las Cruces
Well-trained and armed Spanish troops were gaining
Hidalgos troops fell and were defeated, Hidalgo loses
It all began in 1759, Charles III, ascended to the throne of Spain
It all ended in 1811 for Hidalgo when he was routed and forced to flee
Captured and executed at the Battle of Calderon Bridge, the Spanish remain
Fears of a large Spanish army coming to reinforce the city
The peasant army had disbanded, it looked as if Spain had reasserted control
Hidalgo’s captain, José María Morelos, took up the banner of independence
Fought until his own capture and execution in 1815, rest his soul
He was in turn succeeded by his lieutenant Vicente Guerrero hence
Rebel leader Guadalupe Victoria who fought for six more years
Finally in 1821 an agreement with turncoat royal officer Agustín de Iturbidry
Allowed for Mexico’s definitive liberation and joyful tears
July 30, 1811 martyr buried “Ángel de la Independencia” Mexico City
For what Napoleon started by Spain’s invasion
Ended by The Father of The Nation
Copyright © I Am Anaya | Year Posted 2022
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