1. Section 2: History & Culture (Colonial Mexico & Independence) page 174
Chapter 7: Mexico
Section 2: History & Culture (Colonial Mexico & Independence)
page 174

2. The Big Idea
Native American cultures and Spanish colonization shaped Mexican history and culture

3. Main Ideas
Mexico’s period as a Spanish colony and its struggles since independence have shaped its culture.

4. EQ What factors have shaped Mexico’s culture?
7.1.spi.1. recognize cultural definitions (i.e., language, religion, customs, political system, economic system).

5. Colonial Mexico & Independence
In 1519, Hernan Cortes arrived in Mexico w/ a/b 600 men
Made allies of Aztec’s enemies
Brought guns, germs, steel, & horses
By 1521Cortes claimed Mexico for Spain

6. Colonial Mexico & Independence
Conquistadors: Conquerors

9. Colonial Mexico & Independence
Colonial Times
After Spanish conquest, many Spanish & American Indians intermarried.
Mestizos: people of mixed Spanish & American Indian cultures.
Created new Mexican identity

10. Colonial Mexico & Independence
Colonial Times
Also mixed between Africans & Europeans and Africans and American Indians.

11. Colonial Mexico & Independence
Colonial Times
Catholic Church also a big influence on colonial Mexico.
Missions: Church outposts.

13. Colonial Mexico & Independence
Colonial Times
Spanish wanted to find gold and silver in Mex.
Most of the hard work (mining) was done by Amerinds and enslaved Africans.

14. Colonial Mexico & Independence
Colonial Times
Agriculture also important part of economy
Spanish king granted haciendas (huge expanses of farm or ranch land) to buddies.

15. Colonial Mexico & Independence
Spain ruled Mexico for almost 300 years
Revolt against Sp. led by Catholic priest named Miguel Hidalgo.
1810 – gave famous speech
Killed in 1811

16. Colonial Mexico & Independence
Fighting continued until Mex. won its independence in 1821.

17. Colonial Mexico & Independence
Later Struggles
Mexican-American War: 15 yrs. after Mex. won independence, a large chunk broke off (now Texas)
Mid-1800’s: French invasion. Benito Juarez helped repel.

18. Colonial Mexico & Independence
Later Struggles
Due to privileges & foreign involvement in Mexico, The Mexican Revolution broke out in 1910.
Fighting lasted 10 years.
Major result: land reform