Mexico's history spans over 13,000 years — from pre-Columbian civilizations, Spanish conquest, independence, revolution, to modern Mexico.
Pre-Columbian Civilizations (13,000 BC - 1521)
Olmecs (1500-400 BC) — first civilization. Mayans (250-900) — astronomy, mathematics. Teotihuacanos. Toltecs. Aztecs (Mexicas) arrived in Valley of Mexico 14th c., founded Tenochtitlan 1325. Aztec Empire dominated Mesoamerica.
Spanish Conquest (1519-1521)
Hernan Cortes landed at Veracruz 1519 with 600 soldiers. Alliance with Tlaxcalans. Conquered Tenochtitlan August 1521 after brutal siege. Moctezuma II killed. Aztec Empire destroyed.
Viceroyalty of New Spain (1521-1821)
Mexico was center of Viceroyalty of New Spain — 300 years. Massive mestizaje. Silver from Zacatecas and Guanajuato enriched Spain. Rigid social castes.
Independence (1810-1821)
Miguel Hidalgo launched Grito de Dolores September 16, 1810. Jose Maria Morelos continued struggle. Formal independence 1821 with Agustin de Iturbide.
Turbulent 19th Century (1821-1910)
War against United States 1846-1848 — Mexico lost 50% of territory (California, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona). Benito Juarez liberal. Maximilian of Habsburg emperor 1864-1867 — executed. Porfirio Diaz dictator 1876-1911.
Mexican Revolution (1910-1920)
Revolution against Diaz — 1910. Pancho Villa, Emiliano Zapata, Venustiano Carranza. 1 million dead. Constitution of 1917. PRI Party ruled 1929-2000.
Modern Mexico (2000-today)
Democratic alternation 2000 with Vicente Fox (PAN). War against drugs since 2006 — 400,000 dead. Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador 2018-2024. Claudia Sheinbaum since 2024 — first female president. 130 million inhabitants.