Although a movement toward Mexican independence had already been in progress since Napoleon's conquest of Spain, Hidalgo's passionate declaration was a swift, unpremeditated decision. "Mexicanos, Viva ...

16, 1810 — a call to action by priest Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla to fight for Mexico’s independence from Spain, according to the Library of Congress. This began the 11-year Mexican War of ...

"This cry, known as 'El Grito de Dolores,' was the rallying call that ignited the Mexican War of Independence, leading to the ...