History of Mexico

Introduction

• Mexico is one of the most vibrant and culturally rich countries.
• It ranks among the top 10 most visited countries annually.
• Its culture is the result of centuries of political, social, and economic changes.
• Heavily influenced by the interaction between the "Old World" and the "New World" since the 16th century.

Early Human Settlement

• First humans arrived via the Beringia land bridge between 26,000 and 19,000 years ago.
• Early civilizations flourished in Mesoamerica due to abundant natural resources.

Ancient Civilizations

• Olmecs: First known Mesoamerican civilization, famous for colossal stone heads (1200-400 BC).
• Teotihuacan: A major metropolis by the middle of the first millennium AD; known for pyramids.
• Mayans: Known for their sophisticated writing system and monumental stone pyramids.
• Decline due to political collapse, war, and possibly climate change.
• Toltecs and Aztecs: Toltecs rose after the fall of Teotihuacan; Aztecs formed an alliance of city-states, centered around Tenochtitlan.

Spanish Conquest

• Spanish exploration and colonization began with Hernán Cortés in 1519.
• Cortés allied with local tribes to overthrow the Aztec Empire by 1521.
• The Aztec capital was rebuilt as Mexico City.
• Spanish introduced Christianity and a forced labor system.

Colonial Period

• Spanish conquered much of central Mexico, but the Maya resisted longer.
• European diseases devastated the native population.
• Silver mining became crucial to the economy.
• A strict caste system was introduced, creating a hierarchy based on ethnicity.
• Cultural syncretism led to uniquely Mexican customs, such as Día de los Muertos.

Path to Independence

• Inspired by the US and French revolutions, Mexican independence sentiments grew.
• 1810: Mexican War of Independence begins, led by Miguel Hidalgo.
• 1821: Mexico becomes independent.

Post-Independence

• Mexico initially established as a monarchy, then became a republic.
• Texas demanded independence, leading to the Texas Revolution (1835-1836).
• Mexican-American War (1846-1848) resulted in significant territorial loss for Mexico.

19th & 20th Century Turmoil

• Political instability marked by civil wars, foreign interventions, and shifting governments.
• French intervention established a brief monarchy under Emperor Maximilian.
• Porfirio Díaz's dictatorship implemented modernization efforts.
• Mexican Revolution (1910-1920) led to political reformation.

Modern Era

• Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI) dominated politics for the 20th century.
• Economic growth post-World War II, known as the Mexican Miracle.
• 1970s economic instability, leading to reforms.
• Recent challenges include drug wars, but Mexico embraces closer NAFTA ties.
• Modern Mexico is shaped by its complex history but focuses on cultural celebration.