1. Mexican History
A really brief summary

2. There are 3 major time periods in Mexico’s History
Pre Colonial
Colonial
Post Colonial
These time periods can be remembered using the Plaza de Tres Culturas (Plaza of three cultures) located in Mexico City

4. Pre Colonial
There were hundreds of native groups existing in Mexico prior to the Colonial period. 3 major pre-colonial time periods
Pre-Classic 2000 b.c. to 300 b.c.
Classic 300 b.c. to 900 a.d.
Post-Classic Period 900 a.d a.d.

5. Pre-Classic 2000 b.c. to 300 b.c.

6. OLMECS
The Olmecs are known as the “Mother” Civilization of Mexico. Their Origin is unknown. Some scholars trace the Olmecs either to Africa or to China.

10. Classic Period 300 b.c. to 900 a.d.

11. MAYAS The Mayas flourished from 600 to 900 A.D.
They were known for their advanced culture which included:
Written Language, astronomy, mathematics, a calendar, and other scientific advancements
By 900 AD Mayan society had faded due to invasion and disease.

15. Teotihuacán 100 a.d. to 900 a.d. 30 miles N.E. of Mexico City
Large cultural center
Built the huge Pyramids of the Sun and the Moon

16. Zapotecs 600 b.c. to 800 a.d. Monte Alban in Southern Mexico
Flourished during the Classic Period

17. Post-Classic Period 900 a.d. to 1520 a.d.

18. Mixtecs
600 a.d. to 1500 a.d.
Important influence in South Central Mexico

19. Toltecs
900 a.d. to 1187 a.d. Powerful group at Tula.

20. Aztecs
The Aztecs were a warlike people who came to power from approximately AD in Mexico. They conquered tribes and demanded tribute from them. Their major accomplishment was the establishment of Tenochtitlan(Mexico City)

22. COLONIAL PERIOD
The Colonial Period began with the arrival of Hernando Cortez in With a small force of less than 500 men, he conquered the Aztec Empire.
He was helped by:
Disease
Aztec Enemies/siege warfare/weapons
The Legend of Quetzacoatl

24. Colonial Period
The Spanish had three major influences in Mexico
Religion
Architecture
Language

28. Social Hierachy Peninsulares—European born inhabitants
Creoles-European blood—born in the New World
Mestizos—Mixed European/Native Blood
Indians

32. Post Colonial
  Independence from Spain
Why? Mestizos/Indians had few rights, Creoles had disagreements with Spanish born-There was little change in power over time.
2. Something for nothing does not work.

33. On Sept 16, 1810 called on the Mexicans to revolt against Spain.
Father Miguel Hidalgo
                                                                                                                               
                                                                                                                               
On Sept 16, 1810 called on the Mexicans to revolt against Spain.
                           
   

34. Father Jose Morelos Took Hidalgo’s place in leading the revolt.
                                
                                
Took Hidalgo’s place in leading the revolt.
Mexico gained independence from Spain in 1821.

35. Mexico’s Instability
Spain took with them finances/education. The challenge was to establish trade links/loans from other countries.
U.S. Mexican War —Dispute over Texas, the United States gains much of the Southwest part of the United States.

36. French Intervention
Napoleon III’s forces invade Mexico and put Napoleon III’s nephew Maximilian in as ruler.

37. Benito Juarez
Following the removal of the French, Benito Juarez is elected president. Juarez was a full-blooded Indian.

38. Porfiriato Period
Porfirio Diaz becomes President of Mexico in 1876 an reigns as a virtual dictator until He provided economic stability, industrialization, and improved infrastructure.

39. The Mexican Revolution
Revolt against Diaz
Lower classes wanted land/civil rights
Emiliano Zapata and Pancho Villa led peasants in revolt.

40. In 1936 Lazaro Cardenas became president and strengthened land reform.
Ejidos—Land given to peasants by the government for farming/living purposes.

41. Other Key Events of the 20th Century
1968 Massacre near the Plaza of three cultures.
Late 1970’s oil boom in Mexico
1985 Earthquake—Showed PRI Party to be inadequate
1988 Presidential Election—Massive accusations of Fraud

42. Other Key Events of the 20th Century
1994 Chiapas Uprising—Anti NAFTA revolt. Desire for more land reform among the poor.
2000 Presidential Election—Vicente Fox of the PAN party ends over 70 years of PRI rule.

43. Today the United States’ relationship with Mexico is somewhat complex.
Immigration has and will continue to play a key role in the economic and political relationship between the two countries.