-
Hernán Cortés arrives on the coast of Mexico, beginning the conquest of the Aztec Empire. -
Fall of Tenochtitlán; the Aztec capital is captured by the Spanish, marking the end of the Aztec Empire. -
The Viceroyalty of New Spain was formally established by King Charles I of Spain (Charles V, Holy Roman Emperor). Antonio de Mendoza becomes the first viceroy. -
Silver mines in Zacatecas and Guanajuato begin producing vast wealth for the Spanish crown. -
Spanish conquistadors swept through South, Central and part of North America and took control of the land and its people. -
The 'Manila-Acapulco Galleon Trade' is inaugurated, linking New Spain to the Philippines and the larger Asian trade network. -
The 'Spanish Inquisition' formally establishes a tribunal in New Spain to monitor heresy, blasphemy, and moral offenses. -
The crisis in Spain (including the deposition of
the Spanish king) undermines Spanish authority over its colonies, setting the
stage for independence movements in New Spain. -
On September 16, Father Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla issues
the call to arms in Dolores, Guanajuato, marking the beginning of the Mexican
War of Independence. -
Spanish royalist forces defeat insurgent armies,
forcing the revolutionary movement to regroup and adapt its strategies. -
Insurgent leaders promulgate this constitution as
a framework for self-governance and the establishment of an independent
state. -
After early setbacks, Vicente Guerrero emerges as
a key leader, sustaining the fight for independence in southern Mexico. -
Political changes in Spain (including the
reinstatement of the Cadiz Constitution) influence reforms in New Spain and
open a path toward negotiations with insurgent forces. -
Agustín de Iturbide proclaims a plan based on three
guarantees—independence, equality, and protection of the Catholic
faith—that unites royalists and insurgents. -
Signed on August 24, this treaty confirms Mexican
independence from Spain. -
The Army of the Three Guarantees enters Mexico
City on September 27, symbolically ending Spanish colonial rule. -
Agustín de Iturbide is declared
Emperor of Mexico, marking the nation's first attempt at an independent
monarchical system. -
Facing internal opposition and instability,
Iturbide abdicates in March, paving the way for a republican form of
government -
Promulgated on October 4, this constitution establishes Mexico as a federal republic -
Political struggles between federalist and
centralist factions intensify as Mexico works to consolidate its new state. -
Discontent grows among settlers in the
Mexican province of Texas, eventually leading to an armed rebellion against
central authority. -
On March 2, Texas declares its
independence from Mexico following pivotal conflicts such as the siege of the
Alamo and the victory at San Jacinto (April 21) -
The Republic of Texas is annexed
by the U.S., a move that heightens tensions between Mexico and the United
States. -
Disputes over the Texas border and
American expansionism lead to war on April 25. -
Signed on February 2, this treaty ends the
Mexican–American War. As a result, Mexico cedes vast territories—including
what are now Texas and California—to the United States