Mexico Timeline
1.) 1519
Aztecs inhabited Mexico between the 12th century and the 15th century. They were considered technologically advanced with their urban water distribution and marketing. However this empire came to an end with the introduction of the Spaniards during the era of European Colonization. In 1519 Hernan Cortez, conquered the Aztec empire with the help of diseases which the Aztecs had never encountered these diseases and did not have immunity against them.
2.)1821
In 1810 the war for independence from Spanish rule began. Creoles, people mixed of European and American, and mestizos, people of mixed European, African, and indigenous descent, were strong supporters in gaining independence from the Spanish. After an 11 year war, Mexico gained its independence from Spain. Mexico finally gained independence in 1821.
3.)1845
In 1835, present day Texas rebelled against the Mexican government in attempts to become its own country. In 1836, Texas finally annexed from Mexico, although Mexico did not recognize this. In the meantime Texas was left to fend for itself however, they ended up going bankrupt with much inflation. Then in 1845 Texas became a part of the United States official severing ties with Mexico.
4.)1910-1917
Mexican Revolution began in 1910, the main goal being the farming classes to have a more fair life. In the beginning the Mexicans attempted to over through the current ruler, Diaz Mori who made good diplomatic relations with the U.S, and worked to better industrialize and modernize the country. However, Diaz was cruel and intimidating, taking Mexican peoples land and giving it to non-nationals. Diaz although building many factories, damns, and roads, did this at the expense of rural workers and peasants, who greatly suffered. An uprising occurred replacing Diaz with Francisco Villa, who was a weak president. From here on out Mexico went through an unlucky series of bad presidents. Villa was replaced by General Vicoraiano Huerta. Huerta however was a dictator and needed to go. He was then replaced by Venustianio Carranza in 1914. This president, although craved power, had his priorities in check and made a new constitution accepting many of the rebel demands. 1917 was the official end of the Mexican Revolution, when the new Mexican constitution was made helping out the farmers, poor folk and many others.
5.) 1942
Mexico declares war on Japan and Germany (WW2), war on the axis. They did this due to the close economic aid given to them by President Theodore Roosevelt of the United States. Mexico depended on the United States economic support in order to establish their own stable economy. Also other Latin American countries in the region were joining the war and Mexico didn’t want to be isolated when the war was over/have bad diplomatic relations.
6.) 1993
Mexican parliament ratifies NAFTA, the Northwest Free Trade Agreement. This provides many benefits to Mexico. Many United States companies and private business owners were now coming into Mexico and setting up factories giving citizens opportunities to work/get jobs thus improving the economy. Also, tariffs on Canadian and United States goods were low and more affordable.
7.) 1994- 2001
A rebellion in Chiapas, Mexico by the Zapatista National Liberation army occurs but is suppressed by government troops. The purpose was to receive better standards of living and rights for the Indian people which NAFTA was oppressing. A Zapatista guerillas march occurs lead by Subcomandante Marcos from Chiapas to Mexico City. Due to the extensive fighting of the indigenous peoples, Congress finally passes a bill increasing their rights. However, this bill is then rejected by Subcomandante Marcos because he believes that this bill was even worse than the status quo and that uprisings will still occur.
8.) 2008-2009
The Mexican government has been trying hard to take down drug lords and to stop illegal drug tracking both in and out of the border. Deaths related to the War on drugs rose sharply between the years of 2008 and 2009, 6,000 people were killed in 2008 and 6,500 in 2009.