Mexican History - Test Your Knowledge

Mexican History - Overview

Mexico is a country with a unique blend of cultures and traditions. Its history has been shaped by various influences, from pre-Columbian civilizations to the Spanish conquest and its subsequent independence. In this article, we will delve into the key aspects of Mexican history, starting with the Mexican War of Independence.

Pre-Independence Mexico

Before the war of independence, Mexico was part of the Spanish Empire. The Mexican population during the colonial period consisted largely of indigenous people, who made up over 80% of the inhabitants. European settlers, mostly Spaniards, accounted for less than 4% of the total population. Despite constituting only a small proportion of the population, they held positions of power. The Spanish rule introduced new customs, beliefs, and practices, some of which continue to influence Mexican culture today.

Mexican War of Independence

The Mexican War of Independence began in 1810 when Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla, a Catholic priest, called for insurrection against Spanish rule. Hidalgo's forces were initially successful, capturing several towns and cities. However, as he entered Guanajuato, his forces suffered a significant defeat due to the superior tactics of the Spanish army.

Hidalgo's defeat did not lead to the end of the rebellion though. Instead, it inspired other leaders like Jose Maria Morelos and Augustín de Iturbide to take up arms against Spanish rule. While Hidalgo was eventually captured and executed in 1811, Morelos continued leading the resistance until his own capture in 1815.

The final blow came with the arrival of Agustín de Iturbide, a military officer who turned against the Spaniards after witnessing their brutality during the conflict. With Iturbide's leadership, Mexico achieved its independence from Spain on September 27, 1821. However, the peace was short-lived, as the country soon plunged into a series of internal conflicts known as the Mexican Revolution.

Post-Independence Mexico

The years following Mexico's independence were marked by political instability and social hardship. In response to these challenges, several reforms were introduced in the mid-19th century, including those aimed at promoting economic growth and improving education. Despite these efforts, Mexico struggled through much of the century.

In the early 20th century, Mexico faced another major challenge when Porfirio Díaz seized power in a coup. His regime is often referred to as the Porfiriato and lasted for over three decades. During this period, significant economic development took place, but it also led to increased social inequality and political repression.

After the fall of Diaz's regime, Mexico experienced more political turmoil and periods of violence, culminating in the Mexican Revolution from 1910 to 1920. The revolution resulted in significant changes to Mexico's political structure and led to the establishment of the Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI), which held power for nearly seven decades.

Today, Mexico continues to grapple with various socio-economic issues, yet its rich history remains a source of pride and inspiration for many Mexicans and people around the world.