Morelos (y Pav�n), Jos� Mar�a 1765-1815
Mexican revolutionary

Born in Michoac�n, New Spain, he was a mestizo and spent his early life as a muleteer before entering the priesthood. He then joined Miguel Hidalgo in the struggle for Mexican independence, becoming the leader in the south and reorganizing the insurgents (1810-13). A brilliant guerrilla leader, he regrouped opposition to Spanish rule in 1811 under a supreme junta. In opposition to the Spanish Constitution of Cadiz, he convened a 'sovereign congress' at Chilpancingo which declared independence at Apatzing�n (October 1814). This first Mexican constitution was republican, and abolished the fuero and slavery. Isolated and trapped by royalist forces under Viceroy Felix Calleja, he was captured and executed in Mexico City. He was one of the founders of the radical liberal tradition of Mexican politics.