-
Feb 16, 1517
Francisco Hernandez Arrives
Francisco Hernandez was the first European to arrive in the Yucatan. He came over from Cuba with three ships and approximately 100 men. Natives clash with the Europeans, killing about fifty of them and capturing others. -
Feb 15, 1519
Hernan Cortez Sails From Cuba
In February of 1519, Cortez sets sail from Cuba with eleven ships and more than 450 soldieres. With him, he also had sixteen horses, something that the Mexicans had never seen before. When they arrived in Yucatan, they took control of the town of Tabasco and began to learn of the Aztec Civiliation. This was being ruled by Moctezuma II. -
Nov 12, 1519
Hernan Cortez Arrives
Hernan Cortez and his men arrive in Tenochtitlán. They are received with welcome by Moctezuma and his people because of Hernan's strong resemblance to Quetzecoatl. Hernan takes Moctezuma into hostage and takes control over Tenochtitlán. -
Mexico's Independence Day
On September 16, 1810, a Catholic priest known as Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla started a rally cry known as "Grito de Dolores" that issued a declaration against the rule of the Spanish government. Although this date is known as Mexico's Independance Day, it actually only resulted in the start of the fight for independence. -
Mexican American War
On May 12, 1846, the United States declared war on Mexico because of friction over Texan, New Mexican, and Californian land. Even after serious losses, Mexico refuses to admit defeat, so the US sent General Winfield Scott to capture Mexico City. It was captured on September 14. -
Treaty of Guadelupe Hidalgo
On February 2, 1848, after the capture of Mexico City, an official peace treaty was signed between Mexico and the US. According to the treaty, the Rio Grande became the southern Texas border, and California and New Mexico were given up to the US. The US paid $15 million in exchange for these pieces of land. -
Porfirio Diaz's Dictatorship
Porfirio Diaz becomes the dictator of Mexico. Minus one four year period between 1881-1884, he remained in control until 1911. Under his control, Mexico experiences a lot of commercial and economic growth because of DIaz's encouragement in foreign investment. While these advances contributed to the growth of Mexico City, it mostly contributed to the upper classes, not the poor. -
Mexican Revolution
Madero issued the Plan of San Luis Potosi which promised democracy, federalism, agrarian reform and worker's rights. It also declared war on the Diaz regime. Although Diaz was forced to hand over the presidency, violence and conflict still occured. Several leaders refused to listen to presidential authority. -
Mexico in WWI
Mexico remains neutral throughout WWI, despite Germany's attempts at turning them into an ally. -
PRI Government Protests
Because of it's growing status, Mexico City was chosen to host the Olympic Games. To draw attention to social injustice, students started protests. On October 2, ten days before the Games were to start, Mexican forces surrounded the protest and opened fire on the protesters. Although the total death and injury toll is concealed by the Mexican government, at least one hundred people were killed and many wounded.
