Mexican Independence Day (9/16/05)

September 16 is celebrated as Mexican Independence Day. When the Spanish arrived in what is now known as Mexico druing the 16th century they took land and rights away from indigenous peoples. Indigenous people were forced into labor and Spanish way of life. Many injustices were put upon the native population and some even exist today. On September 16, 1810, Father Hidalgo, a revolutionary leader, organized the indigenous people and mestizos (people of mixed Spanish and native blood) to rise up and fight against the Spanish. The fight continued for 11 years and Mexico gained independence from Spain in 1821.

Some links for further information:
http://www.mexonline.com/grito.htm
http://teacherlink.ed.usu.edu/tlresources/units/Byrnes-celebrations/mid.html
http://www.tamu.edu/ccbn/dewitt/mexicanrev.htm#hidalgo