The document discusses Mexican independence from Spain in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. It describes how Spain increased taxes on its colonies to raise revenue for military defenses. This, along with other economic and trade policies that benefited wealthy colonists, contributed to discontent and questioning of colonial rule among Criollos in New Spain. Exposure to Enlightenment ideas and examples of revolution in America and France further inspired independence movements, leading to Mexico gaining independence from Spain.