Excerpt from: A Brief History of Mexico, Mexico City, 1967 The origin of the idea of Mexican independence came with Father Hidalgo on September 6, 1810 when he delivered the Cry of Dolores. The Spanish colonials executed Hidalgo; however, the country rose in rebellion. The early rebels had problems and suffered many defeats. Finally, Agustin de Iturbide, a Creole officer joined the rebellion, and in 1821 Mexico gained its independence as an independent monarchy. Agustin de Iturbide, to whom the country owes its freedom, wanted a European monarch to rule Mexico. He turned to the defeated King of Spain, Ferdinand. However, Ferdinand refused and finally Iturbide proclaimed himself Emperor Agustin I in 1822.