Miguel Hidalgo facts for kids

Miguel Hidalgo

Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla (born May 8, 1753 – died July 30, 1811) was a Mexican priest. He is famous for starting Mexico's fight for independence from Spain. People remember him as a hero who helped Mexico become a free country.

In 1810, Hidalgo gave a very important speech. It is known as the Grito de Dolores, or "Cry of Dolores." In this speech, he asked people to stand up for the King of Spain. He wanted them to fight against the Spanish ruler in Mexico, called the Viceroy.

After a few months, Hidalgo was captured. He was then executed by a firing squad. Even after he died, others like Vicente Guerrero continued the fight. They kept fighting against the Spanish until 1821. That year, Mexico finally became an independent country.

Today, Miguel Hidalgo is seen as a great liberator in Mexico. The Mexican state of Hidalgo is named after him to honor his memory.

The Start of the Fight for Freedom

Miguel Hidalgo was a priest who lived in Mexico when it was still a Spanish colony. He believed that Mexico should be a free country. He wanted to end Spanish rule and create a better life for everyone.

On September 16, 1810, Hidalgo made his famous speech. He rang the church bell in the town of Dolores. Many people gathered to hear him speak. He called on them to rise up and fight for their freedom. This moment is known as the start of the Mexican War of Independence.

Hidalgo's Campaign

After the "Cry of Dolores," many people joined Hidalgo. His army grew quickly. They marched through several towns, gaining more supporters. They fought against the Spanish army.

Hidalgo's movement was powerful. However, his army was not a trained military force. They faced many challenges against the well-organized Spanish soldiers.

Capture and Legacy

Sadly, Miguel Hidalgo was captured in 1811. He was executed on July 30, 1811. Even though he died, his actions inspired many others. The fight for independence continued for another ten years.

Hidalgo's dream of a free Mexico came true in 1821. He is remembered every year on September 16. This day is Mexico's Independence Day. The President of Mexico rings the Bell of Dolores, just as Hidalgo did. This honors his bravery and his role as the "Father of the Nation."

Images for kids

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  Portrait of Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla (1753–1811), by José Inés Tovilla, 1912

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  Etching depicting Hidalgo's portrait, on a pamphlet celebrating Mexican independence.

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  Statue of Hidalgo in front of his church at Dolores Hidalgo, Guanajuato

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  The Bell of Dolores was moved from the church to Mexico's National Palace after Hidalgo's death and is rung each year on independence day by the president

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  Hidalgo, as the father of Mexico, carrying his banner with the image of Our Lady of Guadalupe (a 1905 painting by Antonio Fabrés)

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  Map of Hidalgo's Campaign.

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  Banner with the image of the Virgin of Guadalupe carried by Hidalgo and his insurgent militia.

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  Flag El Doliente de Hidalgo, was captured by the Spanish army in Zitácuaro, Michoacán, 2 January 1812.

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  Missive that gives the explanation to avoid the attack on Mexico city, 1753 – Chihuahua, Chihuahua, México, 1811.

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  State of Durango's prison where Hidalgo was imprisoned in his capture in 1811.

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  The Altar of the Fatherland; the spot where Hidalgo was executed by the Spanish in the present-day Government Palace of Chihuahua, Chihuahua City

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  Apotheosis of the Father of the Nation on the Independence Monument, front view.

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  Mural of Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla.

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  Hidalgo was laid to rest at the base of the Angel of Independence, Mexico City

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  Painting of Hidalgo, by José Clemente Orozco, Jalisco Governmental Palace, Guadalajara

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  Romantic portrait, by Claudio Linati (1828)

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  Don Miguel Hidalgo Square and Freedom Route

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  Statue in Guadalajara, Jalisco

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  Commemorative silver coin Mexico 10 Pesos 1955

See also

In Spanish: Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla para niños