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1521
Fall of Tenochtitlan
Spanish conquistadors led by Hernán Cortés defeat the Aztec Empire, marking the beginning of Spanish rule. -
Grito de Dolores
Miguel Hidalgo issues a call for independence, sparking the Mexican War of Independence. -
Independence from Spain
Mexico officially gains independence after over a decade of conflict. -
Texas Rebellion
Texas declares independence from Mexico, leading to the Texas Revolution. -
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Mexican-American War
The war results in Mexico losing half of its territory to the United States. -
Reform War
A civil war between liberals and conservatives over the new liberal constitution, leading to the separation of church and state. -
Battle of Puebla
Mexican forces defeat the French army on May 5th, a victory celebrated as Cinco de Mayo. -
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Second Mexican Empire
Emperor Maximilian I, installed by France, rules until his execution by republican forces. -
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Mexican Revolution
A decade-long civil war that leads to significant social, political, and economic changes. -
Constitution of 1917
A new constitution is adopted, incorporating many of the goals of the revolution, including land reform and labor rights. -
Nationalization of Oil
President Lázaro Cárdenas nationalizes the oil industry, creating PEMEX. -
Mexico Joins World War II
Mexico supports the Allies by sending troops and providing resources. -
Tlatelolco Massacre
Government forces open fire on student protesters in Mexico City just before the Olympics. -
Mexico City Earthquake
A devastating earthquake strikes Mexico City, leading to significant loss of life and property. -
Zapatista Uprising
Indigenous insurgents in Chiapas rebel against the Mexican government, demanding rights and autonomy. -
NAFTA Comes into Effect
The North American Free Trade Agreement is signed between Mexico, the United States, and Canada. -
Election of Vicente Fox
Vicente Fox becomes the first president from an opposition party (PAN), ending 71 years of PRI rule. -
War on Drugs Begins
President Felipe Calderón launches a major military offensive against drug cartels, leading to widespread violence. -
Ayotzinapa Disappearance
43 students from the Ayotzinapa Rural Teachers' College are forcibly disappeared in Iguala, Guerrero, sparking national and international outrage and protests against government corruption and violence -
COVID-19 Pandemic
Mexico faces significant challenges due to the global pandemic, impacting its economy and public health.