# Miguel Hidalgo Y Costilla

> Catholic priest, leader of the Mexican War of Independence

**Wikidata**: [Q55636](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q55636)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Miguel_Hidalgo_y_Costilla)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/miguel-hidalgo-y-costilla

## Summary

Miguel Hidalgo Y Costilla was born on May 8, 1753, in Corralejo de Hidalgo[1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8]. He was a Catholic priest, politician, and rebel leader[9] who worked within the fields of Catholicism and independentism[9] as a member of the Catholic Church. He pursued his education at the Universidad Michoacana de San Nicolás de Hidalgo and the Royal and Pontifical University of Mexico.He was employed by the Universidad Michoacana de San Nicolás de Hidalgo from 1779 to 1792. He died from a gunshot wound on July 30, 1811, in Chihuahua City[1][2][3][5].

## Summary
Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla was a Catholic priest and political leader who became a central figure in the Mexican War of Independence. Born in 1753, he is best known for his role in inspiring the Cry of Dolores in 1810, which marked the beginning of Mexico's fight for independence from Spain.

## Biography
- Born: May 8, 1753, in Atotonilco, New Spain (modern-day Mexico)
- Nationality: Spanish (by birth), Mexican (by ideology and legacy)
- Education: Studied at the Royal and Pontifical University of Mexico and the Universidad Michoacana de San Nicolás de Hidalgo
- Known for: Leading the Mexican War of Independence and inspiring the Cry of Dolores
- Employer(s): Royal and Pontifical University of Mexico, Universidad Michoacana de San Nicolás de Hidalgo
- Field(s): Political activism, religious leadership, revolutionary leadership

## Contributions
- **Cry of Dolores (1810)**: Hidalgo delivered a speech in Dolores, Guanajuato, calling for independence from Spain, which sparked the Mexican War of Independence.
- **Plan of Iguala (1821)**: Co-authored the Plan of Iguala, a foundational document outlining Mexico's independence and its principles of federalism and secularism.
- **Leadership in the War of Independence**: Served as a military leader and political strategist during the war, organizing resistance against Spanish rule.

## FAQs
**What was Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla's role in the Mexican War of Independence?**
Hidalgo was a key leader who inspired the Cry of Dolores in 1810, which marked the beginning of Mexico's fight for independence from Spain. He later co-authored the Plan of Iguala and served as a military leader during the war.

**Where did Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla study?**
Hidalgo studied at the Royal and Pontifical University of Mexico and the Universidad Michoacana de San Nicolás de Hidalgo.

**What is the Plan of Iguala?**
The Plan of Iguala is a foundational document co-authored by Hidalgo in 1821 that outlined Mexico's independence and its principles of federalism and secularism.

## Why They Matter
Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla is a pivotal figure in Mexican history for his role in leading the fight for independence from Spain. His speech at the Cry of Dolores in 1810 is considered the starting point of the Mexican War of Independence, which ultimately led to Mexico's independence in 1821. Hidalgo's leadership and the principles he advocated for in the Plan of Iguala shaped the political and social structure of modern Mexico. His actions and ideas continue to be studied and celebrated as foundational to Mexico's national identity and independence.

## Notable For
- Inspired the Cry of Dolores, the beginning of the Mexican War of Independence.
- Co-authored the Plan of Iguala, a key document in Mexico's independence.
- Served as a military leader during the Mexican War of Independence.
- Educated at prestigious universities in Mexico, including the Royal and Pontifical University of Mexico.

## Body
### Early Life and Education
Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla was born on May 8, 1753, in Atotonilco, New Spain (modern-day Mexico). He received his education at the Royal and Pontifical University of Mexico and the Universidad Michoacana de San Nicolás de Hidalgo, where he studied theology and philosophy.

### Political Activism and the Cry of Dolores
In 1810, Hidalgo delivered a speech in Dolores, Guanajuato, calling for independence from Spain. This speech, known as the Cry of Dolores, is considered the beginning of the Mexican War of Independence. Hidalgo's call for freedom and his leadership inspired many to join the fight against Spanish rule.

### Leadership in the War of Independence
Hidalgo served as a military leader and political strategist during the Mexican War of Independence. He organized resistance against Spanish forces and played a crucial role in the war's early stages. His leadership and the principles he advocated for were instrumental in securing Mexico's independence.

### The Plan of Iguala
In 1821, Hidalgo co-authored the Plan of Iguala, a foundational document that outlined Mexico's independence and its principles of federalism and secularism. The Plan of Iguala became a key document in Mexico's political and social structure, shaping the country's identity and governance.

### Legacy and Influence
Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla's legacy continues to be celebrated in Mexico. His role in the Mexican War of Independence and his contributions to the Plan of Iguala are studied and honored as foundational to Mexico's national identity and independence. Hidalgo's ideas and actions have had a lasting impact on Mexican history and politics.

## References

1. Integrated Authority File
2. BnF authorities
3. datos.bne.es
4. Czech National Authority Database
5. International Standard Name Identifier
6. Encyclopædia Britannica Online
7. SNAC
8. Find a Grave
9. Brockhaus Enzyklopädie
10. GeneaStar
11. Spanish Biographical Dictionary
12. Proleksis Encyclopedia
13. Croatian Encyclopedia
14. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
15. Virtual International Authority File
16. Quora