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Period: to
Napoleón un Invasión of Spain
The crisis in Spain (including the deposition of the Spanish king) undermines Spanish authority over its colonies, setting the stage for independence movements in New Spain. -
Grito de Dolores
On September 16, Father Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla issues the call to arms in Dolores, Guanajuato, marking the beginning of the Mexican War of Independence. -
Battle of Calderon Bridge
Spanish royalist forces defeat insurgent armies, forcing the revolutionary movement to regroup and adapt its strategies. -
Constitution of Apatzingán
Insurgent leaders promulgate this constitution as a framework for self-governance and the establishment of an independent state. -
Rose of Vicente Guerrero
After early setbacks, Vicente Guerrero emerges as a key leader, sustaining the fight for independence in southern Mexico. -
Liberal Revolution in Spain
Political changes in Spain (including the reinstatement of the Cadiz Constitution) influence reforms in New Spain and open a path toward negotiations with insurgent forces. -
Plan of Iguala
Agustín de Iturbide proclaims a plan based on three guarantees—independence, equality, and protection of the Catholic faith—that unites royalists and insurgents. -
Treaty of Córdoba
Signed on August 24, this treaty confirms Mexican independence from Spain. -
Entran e into Mexico City
The Army of the Three Guarantees enters Mexico City on September 27, symbolically ending Spanish colonial rule. -
Establishment of the First Mexican Empire
Agustín de Iturbide is declared Emperor of Mexico, marking the nation's first attempt at an independent monarchical system. -
Colapse of the Mexican Empire
Facing internal opposition and instability, Iturbide abdicates in March, paving the way for a republican form of government. -
Federal Constitution of the United Mexican States
Promulgated on October 4, this constitution establishes Mexico as a federal republic. -
Rise of Centralist Tensions
Political struggles between federalist and centralist factions intensify as Mexico works to consolidate its new state. -
Outbreak of the Texas Revolution
Discontent grows among settlers in the Mexican province of Texas, eventually leading to an armed rebellion against central authority. -
Declaración of Texas Independence
Texas declares its independence from Mexico following pivotal conflicts such as the siege of the Alamo and the victory at San Jacinto (April 21). -
Annexation of Texas by the United States
The Republic of Texas is annexed by the U.S., a move that heightens tensions between Mexico and the United States. -
Start of the Mexican-American War
Start of the Mexican–American War – Disputes over the Texas border and American expansionism lead to war on April 25. -
Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo
Signed on February 2, this treaty ends the Mexican–American War. As a result, Mexico cedes vast territories—including what are now Texas and California—to the United States.