The overthrow of the Spanish monarchy by the French gave creoles the opportunity to participate in local self-governing bodies called juntas, and some were delegates to meetings of the Spanish Cortes, a national… These educated people of European ancestry had been born in the Americas and resented both the political power held by the peninsulares and Spain’s economic restrictions.

In 1816, Miguel Hidalgo proclaimed Mexico’s independence from Spain with the Grito de Dolores and led a largely Indigenous and mestizo army to overthrow the colony’s government. However, Hidalgo’s call for widespread social reforms and the violence of his followers led creoles to desert both his movement and the calls of his successor José Maria Morelos for social equality

Grito de Dolores — the “cry” of Dolores, Miguel Hidalgo’s declaration of rebellion made in the town of Dolores on September 16, 1810. juntas — deliberative or administrative councils in Spain and Spanish America. creoles — in Spanish colonies, American-born White people of European descent. peninsulares — in Spanish colonies, European-born White people from Spain.