Regarded by most as the Father of Mexico, Miguel Hidalgo was a local Roman Catholic priest who called for insurrenction against Mexico's elite, inspired a city and then a nation and essentially founded the Mexican War of Independence.

The Guanajuatenses, as Guanajuato's citizens are called, joined the independence fighters in the rebellion against Spaniards and Spanish loyalists, first seizing the city's emblematic Alhóndiga de Granaditas and, shortly after, the whole city. While the Spaniards did eventually regain their control, this event made waves across the country and is considered the first victory in the 11-year effort known as the Mexican War of Independence.

While Miguel Hidalgo got caught by the Spanish, met an untimely death and never got to enjoy the fruits of his labors, Mexico did go on to achieve independence with the Treaty of Córdoba, which officially recognized Mexico as an independent state.

Want to learn more about Miguel Alhóndiga, the Mexican War of Independence and other key people and events in Mexico's history? Come to Guanajuato, visit the famous Alhóndiga and consider a Spanish course with Enforex! In fact, our Spanish + History course may be just what you're looking for!