Father Miguel Hidalgo rang the church bell in Dolores and urged Mexicans to rise against Spanish rule, igniting the Mexican War of Independence.

Priest Miguel Hidalgo rang his church bell in Dolores and called on Mexicans to rise against Spanish rule, igniting the Mexican War of Independence.

A criollo-led junta in Santiago proclaimed self-government, marking the first step toward Chilean independence from Spain.

Chile holds its first military review under the new Government Junta, a tradition that evolves into the modern Glorias del Ejército parade of Fiestas Patrias.

Criollo leaders in Santiago formed a government junta in the name of the deposed Spanish king, launching Chile's path toward independence.

Chilean patriots established their first national government junta in Santiago, launching the movement toward independence from Spain.