Declaration of Independence of Northern America promulgated in Chilpancingo

On November 6, 1813, the Congress of Anáhuac promulgated the Solemn Act of the Declaration of Independence of Northern America in Chilpancingo. This document formally established the end of political dependence on the Spanish Empire and emphasized the recovery of sovereignty.

The declaration, drafted by historian Carlos María de Bustamante, outlined the necessity of creating independent laws and institutions to ensure public happiness and the establishment of alliances with other monarchs and republics. It also identified the Catholic religion as a unifying element for the identity of Northern America.

The document followed the principles laid out in the Sentimientos de la Nación, presented by José María Morelos y Pavón earlier that year, which advocated for popular sovereignty, the division of powers, and equality before the law. While Ignacio López Rayón initially opposed signing the act, believing independence was already a reality in various territories, he was convinced to sign by Morelos and other deputies. The final signatories included Andrés Quintana Roo, José Manuel de Herrera, José Sixto Verduzco, José María Liceaga, and Cornelio Ortiz Zárate.