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El Bajio
The Bajo (lowlands) is a region of Central Mexico that includes the plains south of the Sierra de Guanajuato, in the state of Guanajuato, as well as parts of the states of Quertaro and was the home of the first grassroot insurgencies.
GuanajuatoEl Bajio
They eventually captured the city and massacred hundreds of Spaniards in the granary and city (Alhondiga de Granaditas). A legendary figure, named el pipila, helped the rebels capture the Spanish stronghold by covering his body with a block and reaching the doors and setting them on fire.
Less than a year after the revolt, he was captured and executed by a firing squad.
Following his death, another priest, Jose Maria Morelos assumed command of the revolutionary movement. Like Hidalgo, he ordered and end to slavery and tribute. He pushed for reforms in government. After Spain became free of French rule in 1814, the Spanish Crown was able to refocus of Mexico and sent more troops to press on the revolutionary movements. By the end of 1815, Morelos was defeated, captured, and executed.
Liberals vs Conservatives
Two camps of thoughts developed during the the War for Independence with Liberals wanting to copy the reform governments like the United States and France and the conservatives who wanted Mexico to exist very much the way it did during the Colonial Era with support for the Church and landed economic systems.
Conservatives sided with the Church and mercantilism while Liberals sided with the French revolution that wanted to end these privileges and wanted to modernize the economy.
Caudillismo
There also began to develop this strong reliance upon the caudillo. A caudillo is the name given to a strong military person that came to be seen as the only savior for the country during hard times. Antonio Lopez de Santa Ana would become the best example of caudillismo throughout Mexicos early history.