Background and Context
On October 22, 1814, a significant event unfolded in the history of Hispanic American independence and Mexico’s own narrative. This day marked the proclamation of one of the most crucial documents in the movement for Latin American freedom: the Decreto Constitucional para la Libertad de la América Latina, also known as the Constitution of Apatzingán. This document, one of Mexico’s most illustrious creations, aimed to establish a local governing tool for a nation yet to be born.
By 1814, the cry for liberty had already been raised, but following Miguel Hidalgo’s death in 1811 and the Spanish constitution’s promulgation in March 1812 and jurament in September, the situation hadn’t changed much. The Spanish supreme law established a constitutional monarchy, freedom of the press, abolition of tribute, establishment of provincial diputaciones, and the disappearance of virreyes. While satisfying many criollo desires, it still lacked equality and autonomy for the people.
Reorganization of Insurgents
In response, insurgents decided to reorganize. Ignacio Rayón, a Michoacan lawyer, insurgent, and secretary to Miguel Hidalgo, called upon his fellow insurgents, friends, and fellow students to unify the movement and give it direction. They believed that establishing a Supreme Junta would help organize armies, protect their cause, and liberate the nation from oppression.
In 1811, the Supreme National American Junta was installed in Zitácuaro, presided over by Ignacio López Rayón, José Sixto Verduzco, and José María Liceaga. Soon, others joined this organization, seeing it as a rebirth of the independence movement and unification of efforts despite their differences. Moreover, José María Morelos, who commanded the most respected forces and the best-disciplined insurgent army, supported this initiative.
The Congress of Chilpancingo and the Constitution’s Creation
The intention to create a legal government also fueled their struggle. On September 13, 1813, Morelos convened and established the Congress of Chilpancingo or Anáhuac Congress, an extension of the Zitácuaro Junta. Here, they issued a normative regulation for the Assembly, declared independence, and read Morelos’s document known as Sentimientos de la Nación. This document directly preceded all subsequent Mexican constitutions.
Drafting and Adoption of the Constitution
After this crucial meeting, Morelos returned to battle, attempting to seize remaining territories, capture Acapulco, and establish the Congress in Valladolid. In November 1813, a Drafting Commission was created to draft a constitution. By early 1814, persecuted congressmen escaped through Mexico, Michoacan, and Puebla intendencies, facing dramatic incidents. They hid in Tiripetío and Santa Efigenia hacienda, where they finally made progress in drafting.
The time came to publish the constitutional decree and call for everyone’s participation. However, it was necessary to appear as if all would jurament in Pátzcuaro to mislead the enemy, so legislators dispersed, moving unnoticed by enemy divisions observing their movements.
Success and Signing
The strategy succeeded: legislators unexpectedly arrived in Apatzingán, and by the third day, they were safe and agreeing. On October 22, 1814, José María Liceaga (Guanajuato’s delegate and Congress president), José Sixto Verduzco, José María Morelos, José Manuel de Herrera, José María Cos, José Sotero de Castañeda, Cornelio Ortiz de Zárate, Manuel de Alderete y Soria, Antonio José Moctezuma, José María Ponce de León, Francisco Argándar, Remigio de Yarza, and Pedro José Bermejo gathered in the Palacio Nacional del Supremo Congreso de Apatzingán to emit and sign the Decreto Constitucional para la Libertad de América Latina, the Constitution of Apatzingán. Comprising 242 articles, it began with:
“El supremo congreso mexicano, deseoso de llenar las heroicas miras de la nación, elevadas nada menos que al sublime objeto de sustraerse para siempre de la dominación extranjera y sustituir al despotismo de la monarquía española un sistema de administración que la conduzca a la gloria de la independencia y afiance sólidamente la prosperidad de los ciudadanos.”
The document established the division of powers, autonomy of political principles, sovereignty residing originally and absolutely in the people, and guaranteed equal rights, security, property, and liberty for all individuals.
Key Questions and Answers
- What was the Constitution of Apatzingán? The Constitution of Apatzingán, created on October 22, 1814, was Mexico’s first constitution, outlining a legal framework for governing the nation during its struggle for independence from Spanish rule.
- Who were the key figures involved in its creation? Prominent individuals included Ignacio Rayón, José Sixto Verduzco, José María Liceaga, and José María Morelos. These leaders played crucial roles in the reorganization of insurgents and the establishment of the Supreme Junta.
- What were the main principles outlined in the Constitution of Apatzingán? The constitution emphasized division of powers, autonomy of political principles, sovereignty residing in the people, and guaranteed rights such as equality, security, property, and liberty for all individuals.
- Why was the Constitution of Apatzingán significant? This document marked a crucial step in Mexico’s journey towards independence, providing a legal foundation for the nation and influencing subsequent constitutions.
