Mexico Timeline

By Scottmackiewicz
  • Period: Jan 20, 1300 to

    Mexico over the years

  • Jan 20, 1325

    The Aztecs Arrive

    The Aztecs arrived in the Mexico Central Valley.
  • Oct 20, 1428

    Aztecs conquerer Central Mexico

    The mighty Aztecs conquer their chief rivals in the city of Azcapotzalco and emerge as the dominant force in central Mexico.
  • Feb 20, 1517

    First European to visit Mexican territory

    Francisco Hernández de Córdoba, the first European to visit Mexican territory, arrives in the Yucatán from Cuba with three ships and about 100 men.
  • Feb 12, 1519

    Cortés sets sail from Cuba

    Cortés sets sail from Cuba with 11 ships, more than 450 soldiers and a large number of supplies, including 16 horses.
  • Nov 6, 1519

    Cortés arrives

    Cortés and his men arrive in Tenochtitlan.
  • Aug 13, 1521

    Tlascalans sent by Velásquez

    The Tlascalans and other native allies of the Spaniards, and a Spanish force sent by Velásquez to contain Cortés. Cortés finally defeats the forces of Montezuma’s nephew, Cuauhtémoc.

  • Napoleon Bonaparte occupies Spain

    Napoleon Bonaparte occupies Spain, deposes the monarchy, and installs his brother, Joseph, as head of state.

  • Call for Mexican independence

    Father Manuel Hidalgo, a priest in the small village of Dolores, issues his famous call for Mexican independence.

  • Change in independence movement

    Another priest, Jose Morelos, succeeds Hidalgo as leader of Mexico’s independence movement and proclaims a Mexican republic.

  • Begin plans to end the viceregal system

    After revolt in Spain ushers in a new era of liberal reforms there, conservative Mexican leaders begin plans to end the viceregal system.

  • Emperor is deposed

    Iturbide, who earlier declared himself emperor of the new Mexican state, is deposed by his former aide.

  • Santa Anna becomes president

    Santa Anna himself becomes president after leading the successful resistance against Spain’s attempt to recapture Mexico in 1829.

  • Declared war on Mexico

    The U.S. declares war on Mexico. The U.S. quickly smother their enemy with superior force, launching an invasion of northern Mexico.

  • Mexico lost the war

    Defeat in the war against the United States serves as a catalyst for a new era of reform in Mexico.

  • Benito Júarez emerges from war

    Benito Júarez, a Zapotec Indian, emerges from the War of the Reform as the champion of the victorious liberals.