-
1510
Beginning the conquest of the Aztec Empire.
Hernán Cortés arrives on the coast of Mexico, beginning the conquest of the Aztec Empire. -
1520
Fall of Tenochtitlán
Fall of Tenochtitlán; the Aztec capital is captured by the Spanish, marking the end of the Aztec Empire. -
1530
The Viceroyalty of New Spain
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. -
1540
Silver mines
Silver mines in Zacatecas and Guanajuato begin producing vast wealth for the Spanish crown. -
1550
Spanish conquistadors
Spanish conquistadors swept through South, Central and part of North America and took control of the land and its people. -
1560
Manila-Acapulco Galleon Trade
The 'Manila-Acapulco Galleon Trade' is inaugurated, linking New Spain to the Philippines and the larger Asian trade network. -
Spanish Inquisition
The 'Spanish Inquisition' formally establishes a tribunal in New Spain to monitor heresy, blasphemy, and moral offenses. -
Napoleonic Invasion of Spain
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. -
Grito de Dolores
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. -
Battle of Calderón 1811
Spanish royalist forces defeat insurgent armies,
forcing the revolutionary movement to regroup and adapt its strategies. -
Constitution of Apatzingán
Insurgent leaders promulgate this constitution as
a framework for self-governance and the establishment of an independent
state. -
Rise of Vicente Guerrero
After early setbacks, Vicente Guerrero emerges as
a key leader, sustaining the fight for independence in southern Mexico. -
Liberal Revolution in Spain
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. -
Plan of Iguala
Agustín de Iturbide proclaims a plan based on three
guarantees—independence, equality, and protection of the Catholic
faith—that unites royalists and insurgents. -
Treaty of Córdoba
Signed on August 24, this treaty confirms Mexican
independence from Spain. -
Entrance into Mexico City
The Army of the Three Guarantees enters Mexico
City on September 27, symbolically ending Spanish colonial rule. -
Establishment of the First Mexican Empire
Agustín de Iturbide is declared
Emperor of Mexico, marking the nation's first attempt at an independent
monarchical system. -
Collapse of the Mexican Empire
Facing internal opposition and instability,
Iturbide abdicates in March, paving the way for a republican form of
government -
Federal Constitution of the United Mexican States
Promulgated on October 4, this constitution establishes Mexico as a federal republic -
Rise of Centralist Tensions
Political struggles between federalist and
centralist factions intensify as Mexico works to consolidate its new state. -
Outbreak of the Texas Revolution
Discontent grows among settlers in the
Mexican province of Texas, eventually leading to an armed rebellion against
central authority. -
Declaration of Texan Independence
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) -
Annexation of Texas by the United States
The Republic of Texas is annexed
by the U.S., a move that heightens tensions between Mexico and the United
States. -
Start of the Mexican–American War
Disputes over the Texas border and
American expansionism lead to war on April 25. -
Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo
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