There were several causes that led to the Mexican Independence movement in 1810-1821: 1. Enlightenment ideas from Europe spread and challenged the authority of clergy, nobles, and absolute rulers, encouraging Mexicans to question and reform their government. 2. Problems in Europe like the French Revolution weakened Spain's control over its colonies as it focused on its own issues. 3. Mexicans, especially Criollos, grew discontented under colonial rule as they had no freedom, power, or say in how they were governed and taxed. 4. Catholic priest Miguel Hidalgo and others like Ignacio Allende and Josefa Ortiz de Dominguez organized resistance