1. MEXICO!
Mayan Temple near Cancun, Mexico

2. Cancun is in the Yucatan Peninsula

3. The Maya Civilization
While the many Maya city-states never achieved political unity on the order of the Aztecs in central Mexico, they exerted a tremendous intellectual influence upon Mexico.
The Maya built some of the most elaborate cities on the continent, and made innovations in mathematics, astronomy, and writing that became the pinnacle of Mexico's scientific achievements.

4. The Maya Civilization
While the many Maya city-states never achieved political unity on the order of the Aztecs in central Mexico, they exerted a tremendous intellectual influence upon Mexico.
The Maya built some of the most elaborate cities on the continent, and made innovations in mathematics, astronomy, and writing that became the pinnacle of Mexico's scientific achievements.

5. The Aztec Civilization
The Aztecs were pretty smart, too. But they were no match for Spanish weapons…
Here’s a drawing of the ancient Aztec city of Tenochtitlan before the Spanish arrived…

6. Hernán Cortés (1485 – 1547) Arrived at Latin America in the 1510’s.
Destroyed the Aztec civilization between 1519 – 1521.
Took over Mexico (with the approval of the Spanish monarchy)
He and the Spanish built Mexico City right on top of the Aztec’s capital Tenochtitlan.

7. Review questions!
Who led the Spanish invasion of Mexico? Was he before or after Christopher Columbus?
List a couple reasons why Mexicans might dislike him.
Montezuma was the King of the Aztecs when the Spanish took over. Google “Montezuma’s Revenge.” What is it?

8. In 1510, Mexico declared independence from Spain!
SPAIN VS. MEXICO!
…Mexico won!

9. Mexico’s War of Independence (1810 – 1821)
The man who led the war for independence from Spain in 1810.
Father Miguel Hidalgo

10. Mexico

11. Review questions!
Look at the previous slide. How does Mexico’s size compare to the United States? Bigger/Smaller/Same?
Father Miguel Hidalgo led the War for Independence. Who would you compare him to in American History?
Take a guess as to why Mexico wanted to declare independence from Spain.

12. In 1846, Mexico picks a fight with the United States…
USA VS. MEXICO!
…USA won!

13. Antonio López de Santa Anna
Mexico’s President and General
He picked a fight with the US in 1846 in a dispute over national boundaries.
Mexico lost to the US – Mexico War in Santa Anna was forced to sell half of Mexico to the US.
How do you think Mexicans feel about Santa Anna?

14. 1846 – U.S. invades Mexico City

15. 1846 – 1848 What Mexico lost in the U.S. Mexico War

16. Review questions! Why do most Mexicans hate Santa Ana?
Look at that previous slide. What states did Mexico lose in the U.S. - Mexico War?

17. Porfirio Diaz, President of Mexico from 1876-1910
Corrupt politician (look how long he served as President!)
He was eventually overthrown in the Mexican Revolution by…

18. Francisco Madero in 1911
He lost the Presidential Election to Diaz (the guy in the previous slide), but Diaz cheated!
So, Madero led the Revolution with 2 guys…

19. Pancho Villa
He was a leader and general of the Mexican Revolution, between 1911 and 1920.

20. Pancho Villa He’s also famous for his violent raids on New Mexico.
The US did not support Pancho Villa and the Mexican Revolutionaries, so in return he murdered dozens of American railroad workers near the border.

21. Review questions! Why do most Mexicans love Pancho Villa?
Why do most Americans hate Pancho Villa?

22. More Pancho Villa Pictures
Around 1922 or 1923

23. Pancho Villa The US wanted him dead or alive… we never caught him 

24. Emiliano Zapata Another leader in the 1911 Mexican Revolution
Around 1922 or 1923
Another leader in the 1911 Mexican Revolution
He led the Southern part of Mexico against Porfirio Diaz.
He and Pancho Villa are much loved in Mexican culture.

25. Pancho Villa and Emiliano Zapata Taking a break from the Revolution in the 1910’s

26. Review questions!
Go to the slide about President Porfirio Diaz. What do you notice about his outfit?
Who is your favorite character from Mexican history? Why?
Nowadays, Mexico is a pretty peaceful country. How many years ago did the Revolution end?