Miguel Hidalgo y Castilla Leader of the Mexican people's struggle for independence, national hero of Mexico Country: Mexico

1. Biography of Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla
2. Education and Teaching Career
3. Call to Arms
4. Decrees and Manifestos
5. Downfall and Execution

Biography of Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla

Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla was a leader of the Mexican people's struggle for independence and is considered a national hero of Mexico. He was born into a wealthy family as the son of a hacienda manager.

Education and Teaching Career

Hidalgo completed his education at the San Nicolas spiritual seminary in Valladolid. He went on to become a teacher and, in 1790, the rector of the same seminary. One of his notable students at the seminary was Jose Maria Morelos y Pavon.

Call to Arms

On September 16, 1810, Hidalgo called upon his parishioners to take up arms against the Spanish colonizers. He was proclaimed the "General Captain of America" and later became the commander-in-chief. Hidalgo achieved a significant victory over the Spanish forces at the Battle of Monte de las Cruces on October 30, 1810. Leading an army of 80,000, mainly comprised of indigenous peasants and mine workers, he advanced towards Mexico City.

Decrees and Manifestos

Instead of storming the capital, Hidalgo chose to head towards Guadalajara. It was here, in November-December 1810, that he issued decrees proclaiming the liberation of slaves, the abolition of tribute taxes, and the return of land to indigenous peoples that had been taken by the colonizers. Hidalgo also published a manifesto addressing the population and an appeal to "all inhabitants of America" and the "American nation."

Downfall and Execution

Fearing the magnitude and radical nature of the movement, many of the creole elite switched sides to support the Spanish, allowing the colonizers to intensify their fight against the patriots. On January 17, 1811, Spanish troops defeated Hidalgo's main forces near Calderon Bridge, and on March 21, they captured him along with the remnants of the rebel army. Hidalgo was executed by firing squad on July 31, 1811, in Chihuahua.