All of Latin America is a group of nations that have seen the need to face great challenges. From colonization and independence, to the challenge of making their way in globalized economic environments dominated by great powers. Among all of them, at the upper end of Central America we find the Aztec country. The Mexico history it is as fascinating as it is hard, marked by characters and by milestones that gave a new direction to events in each era.
If, like us, you are passionate about history and you like to learn more about her every day, keep reading! Then We tell you about some of the most emblematic events that marked the course of the country.
5 facts of the history of Mexico that you should know
1. The founding of Tenochtitlan
Talking about Mexico and its cultural and historical greatness is not possible if we do not immerse ourselves in the power of the Aztec culture. And among all the landmarks of this town, Special mention deserves the construction and foundation of Tenochtitlán. Let us remember that the Aztecs, also called Mexicas, were a pilgrim people for many years. They inhabited the mythical land of Aztlán, before reaching the central highlands of Mexico. It was their tutelary god, Huitzilopochtli, who told them to travel in search of better lands.
That lasted for more than two centuries, during which the Mexicas moved from one region to another. This was until they reached the shores of Lake Texcoco, around the year 1325, according to the European calendar.. They then decided to put down roots, founding the city of Tenochtitlán. Soon the city grew, becoming the capital of the Aztec-Mexica civilization. It was from Tenochtitlán that the Mexica warriors began the conquest of territories and the expansion of their empire.
2. The fall of Tenochtitlan
And just as the founding of the city was key to the development of civilization, so was its fall, under the rule of Spanish power. In fact, this fact is considered the first great division in the history of Mexico. Before the Spanish conquest, indigenous cultures completely dominated the region. But With the overwhelming arrival of the representatives of the crown, the colonial and viceregal era of the country would begin, that spanned three centuries.
It was Hernán Cortés, accompanied by his troops, who arrived at Lake Texcoco in November 1519. Despite the astonishment at the infrastructure of the great city they arrived at and the good reception, the friendly attitude did not last long. The Spanish took control of the territory and undertook a siege of the city. Just two years later, In 1521, Cortés’ troops would enter Tenochtitlán, thus reaching the end of the Aztec-Mexica empire.
3. The Cry of Dolores
We advance in the most important milestones in Mexican history, to speak to you on this opportunity about El Grito de Dolores. This would be the peak moment that would start the independence movement in Mexico. By 1808 there were severe problems in Spain, having been invaded by the troops of Napoleon Bonaparte. For their part, the Mexicans suffered hardships, shortages and hunger.
Then the conspiracy of Querétaro was conceived, against the colonial regime. Patriots like Miguel Hidalgo and Ignacio Allende began to agitate in clandestine groups. The conspiracy was discovered, and then Miguel Hidalgo, who was a priest, summoned the people of Dolores to accompany him to rebel against the government. In front of an Assembly of indigenous and peasants, Hidalgo uttered the Grito de Dolores on September 16, 1810. His voice said “Long live America and die to bad government.” This is how the feat of independence would begin, which would achieve its goal eleven years later.
4. The signing of the Guadalupe-Hidalgo Treaty
Mexican independence did not come in peace. In fact, throughout the 19th century Mexico had to face different foreign interventions. The worst of all was the War with the United States, which occurred between 1846 and 1848. In it, Mexico lost a large part of its territory. The key episode in the defeat in the conflict, which would seriously harm the Aztec country, was the signing of the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo, which took place on February 2, 1848.
The war ended, yes. But instead, Mexico lost almost one million square kilometers in favor of the United States. California, New Mexico, Arizona, Nevada, and Colorado were originally Mexican territory. They also had to agree to renounce any claim to the territory of Texas. With the signing of this document, the Mexican territory would change forever.
5. The promulgation of the 1917 constitution
And we close our brief tour of the most important milestones in the history of Mexico, with the promulgation of the 1917 constitution. This document was the legal product of the Mexican Revolution of 1910. That feat in which the people rose up against the abuses of the dictator Porfirio Díaz, who remained in power for more than three decades. It was the magna carta that would make it possible to make Mexico a stable republic over time. With modifications, it is the one that remains to this day, and added revolutionary themes such as agrarian reform, compulsory education, the right to strike, and the autonomy of municipalities.
And you, Did you know these episodes of Mexican history? Do you know of another that you want to add to the list? Feel free to leave us your opinions in a comment. We will be happy to read you!