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2000 BCE: Early Pre-Classic period begins: emergence of early agricultural communities.
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Maya civilization continues in some areas, but many of the major city-states decline. However, cities like Chichen Itza and Mayapan in the northern Yucatán flourish during this period.
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Hernán Cortés leads Spanish forces to defeat the Aztec Empire, marking the end of indigenous rule in Mesoamerica and the beginning of Spanish colonization.
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The Aztecs (Mexica) establish their capital at Tenochtitlán in 1325 CE. They create a powerful empire through conquest and tribute, controlling much of central Mexico by the early 16th century.
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Rise of the Olmec civilization, often considered the
"Mother Culture" of Mesoamerica. -
The Toltec civilization emerges, centered at Tula in central Mexico. The Toltecs are known for their military prowess and influence on later cultures, including the Aztec.
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Collapse of major Maya city states; transition to Post-Classic period
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Monte Albán continues to grow as a major center for the Zapotec culture. The city includes pryamids, temples, and a unique writing system.
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The Maya civilization reaches its peak, building large city-states such as Tikal, Palenque, and Copán. The Maya excel in mathematics, astronomy, and writing (Maya hieroglyphs), and construct impressive pyramids and temples.
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Zapotec civilization begins to flourish in the Oaxaca Valley.
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Early Classic period begins; marked by the rise of major cities like Teotihuacan and the Maya city states.
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1519: Hernán Cortés arrives and begins the conquest of the Aztec
Empire. -
Tenochtitlán falls to the
Spanish, marking the start of 300 years of Spanish rule. -
The Bourbon Reforms modernize administration but increase social unrest.
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• 1810: Miguel Hidalgo launches the Mexican War of Independence (Grito de Dolores).
• 1821: Mexico gains independence from Spain with the Treaty of Córdoba.
• 1824: The first Mexican Republic is established with a new constitution.
• 1836: Texas declares independence from Mexico.
• 1846-1848: The U.S.-Mexican War leads to the loss of over half of Mexico's territory (Treaty of
Guadalupe Hidalgo). -
Miguel Hidalgo’s call for rebellion against Spanish rule ignited the struggle for independence, which would continue until 1821.
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Leaders such as Miguel Hidalgo and José María Morelos spearheaded the movement that eventually secured Mexico’s independence.
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Promulgated by Agustín de Iturbide, this plan laid the groundwork for independence by advocating unity, the Catholic faith, and the preservation of certain privileges.
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This pronouncement initiated the transition from the First Mexican Empire to a republican system, leading to the fall of Iturbide’s regime.
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– Texas Independence
Texas separates from Mexico following the Texas Revolution. Later, the territory is annexed by the United States, marking the beginning of significant territorial loss. -
This conflict redefined the borders between the two nations following intense military engagements.
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The treaty resulted in Mexico ceding roughly half of its territory, including regions that today comprise parts of California, Arizona, New Mexico, and other states.
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Mexico sold an additional strip of land (now part of southern Arizona and New Mexico) to the United States to facilitate the construction of a transcontinental railroad.
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This call to action spurred a liberal revolution against the authoritarian regime of Antonio López de Santa Anna, paving the way for significant political and social reforms.
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Issued by Francisco I. Madero, this plan rallied support to overthrow the long dictatorship of Porfirio Díaz and triggered the Mexican Revolution.
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Proclaimed by Emiliano Zapata, this plan demanded the return of land to peasants and called for agrarian justice, becoming a cornerstone of the Zapatista movement.
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Proposed by Venustiano Carranza, this plan sought to reject Victoriano Huerta’s government and chart a course for profound social and political transformation.