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After many years of thriving as one of the most intelligent and innovative civilizations in the Americas, the Mayan civilization collapses. This most likely occurred because of overpopulation and lack of resources to support everyone.
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A two year-battle with the United States over the annexation of Texas results in an American victory over Mexico. Over 500,000 square miles of territory is given to the United States, including California, Nevada, Utah, Arizona, and New Mexico.
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Mexican peasants, upset with what they believe is unequal distribution of money and power, start a revolution against the Mexican government and President Porfirio Diaz. This leads to a 10-year civil war in which at least 2 million Mexican die.
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Revolutionary hero Pancho Villa is murdered when he is attacked in his car. Villa was traveling without his customary 50 bodyguards and the two that were with him were easily overwhelmed by the attackers. The killers were never found.
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The capital of Mexico, Mexico City, hosts 5,500 athletes at the Summer Olympics. It is the first time that the Olympics are held in a Latin American country. Mexico won nine medals, including three golds.
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Mexico City is devastated by an 8.1 earthquake. Over 10,000 people died, 30,000 are wounded, and thousands more are left homeless in a country already suffering from an economic crisis.
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Vicente Guerrero and Agustin de Iturbide join forces and help Mexico win its freedom from Spanish rule. Even though they create a constitution together, Iturbide declares himself emperor in 1822.
