Timeline

By Moyo_20
  • 2000 BCE

    Pre classic

    2000 BCE: Early Pre-Classic period begins: emergence of early agricultural communities.
  • 1521 BCE

    Late Maya

    Maya civilization continues in some areas, but many of the major city-states decline. However, cities like Chichen Itza and Mayapan in the northern Yucatán flourish during this period.
  • 1519 BCE

    Spanish conquest

    Hernán Cortés leads Spanish forces to defeat the Aztec Empire, marking the end of indigenous rule in Mesoamerica and the beginning of Spanish colonization.
  • 1200 BCE

    Aztec

    The Aztecs (Mexica) establish their capital at Tenochtitlán in 1325 CE. They create a powerful empire through conquest and tribute, controlling much of central Mexico by the early 16th century.
  • 1200 BCE

    Olmecs

    Rise of the Olmec civilization, often considered the
    "Mother Culture" of Mesoamerica.
  • 900 BCE

    Toltec

    The Toltec civilization emerges, centered at Tula in central Mexico. The Toltecs are known for their military prowess and influence on later cultures, including the Aztec.
  • 900 BCE

    Classic peiod

    Collapse of major Maya city states; transition to Post-Classic period
  • 400 BCE

    Zapoteca civilization

    Monte Albán continues to grow as a major center for the Zapotec culture. The city includes pryamids, temples, and a unique writing system.
  • 300 BCE

    MAYA PERIOD

    The Maya civilization reaches its peak, building large city-states such as Tikal, Palenque, and Copán. The Maya excel in mathematics, astronomy, and writing (Maya hieroglyphs), and construct impressive pyramids and temples.
  • 300 BCE

    Zapotec

    Zapotec civilization begins to flourish in the Oaxaca Valley.
  • 250 BCE

    Classic period

    Early Classic period begins; marked by the rise of major cities like Teotihuacan and the Maya city states.
  • 1519

    Spanish Conquest & Colonial Period (1519-1821)

    Spanish Conquest & Colonial Period (1519-1821)
    1519: Hernán Cortés arrives and begins the conquest of the Aztec
    Empire.
  • 1521

    Tenochtitlán falls to the Spain

    Tenochtitlán falls to the Spain
    Tenochtitlán falls to the
    Spanish, marking the start of 300 years of Spanish rule.

  • The Bourbon Reforms

    The Bourbon Reforms modernize administration but increase social unrest.

  • Independence & Early Republic

    • 1810: Miguel Hidalgo launches the Mexican War of Independence (Grito de Dolores).
    • 1821: Mexico gains independence from Spain with the Treaty of Córdoba.
    • 1824: The first Mexican Republic is established with a new constitution.
    • 1836: Texas declares independence from Mexico.
    • 1846-1848: The U.S.-Mexican War leads to the loss of over half of Mexico's territory (Treaty of
    Guadalupe Hidalgo).

  • II. Revolutions and Their Plans

    Miguel Hidalgo’s call for rebellion against Spanish rule ignited the struggle for independence, which would continue until 1821.

  • War of Independence

    Leaders such as Miguel Hidalgo and José María Morelos spearheaded the movement that eventually secured Mexico’s independence.

  • Plan of Iguala

    Promulgated by Agustín de Iturbide, this plan laid the groundwork for independence by advocating unity, the Catholic faith, and the preservation of certain privileges.

  • Plan of Casa Mata

    This pronouncement initiated the transition from the First Mexican Empire to a republican system, leading to the fall of Iturbide’s regime.

  • Loss of Mexican Territory

    – Texas Independence
    Texas separates from Mexico following the Texas Revolution. Later, the territory is annexed by the United States, marking the beginning of significant territorial loss.

  • Mexican-American War

    This conflict redefined the borders between the two nations following intense military engagements.

  • Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo

    The treaty resulted in Mexico ceding roughly half of its territory, including regions that today comprise parts of California, Arizona, New Mexico, and other states.

  • Gadsden Purchase

    Mexico sold an additional strip of land (now part of southern Arizona and New Mexico) to the United States to facilitate the construction of a transcontinental railroad.

  • Plan of Ayutla

    This call to action spurred a liberal revolution against the authoritarian regime of Antonio López de Santa Anna, paving the way for significant political and social reforms.

  • Plan of San Luis Potosí

    Issued by Francisco I. Madero, this plan rallied support to overthrow the long dictatorship of Porfirio Díaz and triggered the Mexican Revolution.

  • Plan of Ayala

    Proclaimed by Emiliano Zapata, this plan demanded the return of land to peasants and called for agrarian justice, becoming a cornerstone of the Zapatista movement.

  • Plan of Guadalupe

    Proposed by Venustiano Carranza, this plan sought to reject Victoriano Huerta’s government and chart a course for profound social and political transformation.