A WebQuest designed for 10th Grade Social Studies at the American School of Tampico

 Spain ruled Mexico, or New Spain, as it was then called, for the benefit of the European country. Spain taxed everything sold in Mexico, which drove prices up, and forbade trade between Mexico and other countries. Mexican agricultural and mineral products could be exported only to Spain and at prices set by Spain.

Since the original invasion and conquest, Indians had been subjugated and denied all rights. Some African slaves had been imported, and their status was, if anything, even lower than that of the Indians. Spaniards belonged to the highest caste, with Creoles, persons of Spanish descent who had been born in New Spain, next. Mestizos belonged in a lower caste, and then Indians, Africans, mulattoes, and all others of mixed heritage occupied the bottom rung of the caste system.

Some Creoles wanted to lead a rebellion that would leave the Mexican-born Creoles in charge of the country by simply ousting the Spanish governors. Others wanted a more egalitarian society.  On September 16, 1810, Hidalgo rang the church bells in the little town of Dolores and addressed the people in an impassioned speech. His incitement to rebellion became known as "El Grito de Dolores," the rallying cry of Dolores starting the armed rebellion against Spanish rule.

Taken from ABC-CLIO World History Web site http://www.worldhistory.abc-clio.com/home/

By the teachers: Ms. Monique Autrique,  Mr. Jerry Freed & Ms. Rocío Acevedo