Who was a key figure leading the independence movement in Mexico?

Miguel Hidalgo is recognized as a pivotal figure in the Mexican independence movement due to his call to action that ignited the struggle for independence from Spanish colonial rule. In 1810, Hidalgo, a Catholic priest, delivered the famous "Grito de Dolores," which urged Mexicans to rise against the oppressive Spanish authorities. This event marked the beginning of the Mexican War of Independence. His role as an early leader is significant because he galvanized a broad coalition of mestizos, indigenous people, and criollos (Mexican-born people of Spanish descent) to fight for their rights and freedoms. Hidalgo’s commitment to social justice and his vision for a more equitable society made him a symbol of the movement, inspiring others to continue the fight even after his execution in 1811. His leadership set the stage for successive leaders, including José María Morelos and later figures like Emiliano Zapata, who also played crucial roles in the independence and subsequent reform movements in Mexico.