Who was José Morelos?

José Morelos was a Mexican Roman Catholic priest and revolutionary leader who played a crucial role in the Mexican War of Independence from Spanish rule. Born on September 30, 1765, he succeeded Miguel Hidalgo after Hidalgo's execution in 1811 and continued the fight for independence, advocating for social reforms, including the abolition of slavery and the establishment of a more democratic government. Morelos was captured by Spanish forces in 1815 and executed, but he remains a national hero in Mexico for his contributions to the independence movement.