Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla was a Catholic priest who helped launch Mexico’s War of Independence. On September 16, 1810, he issued the famous Grito de Dolores, calling people to rise against Spanish colonial rule.

Hidalgo is often called the Father of Mexican Independence. For citizenship learners, he is one of the most important figures to know because September 16 is Mexico’s Independence Day and his call for independence is central to national memory.