The History of Mexico in 16 Minutes

Summary

The history of Mexico is shaped by a legacy of colonization and revolution. Following the Spanish conquest of the Aztec Empire in the 16th century, Mexico endured centuries of colonial rule, marked by the rise of Catholicism and tensions with the crown. In the early 1800s, as Spain faced upheaval from Napoleon, Mexico’s fight for independence intensified, beginning with Miguel Hidalgo’s 1810 rebellion. After years of struggle, Mexico achieved independence in 1821, though internal conflict and foreign wars continued. The country saw the rise and fall of monarchies, the U.S.-Mexican War, and revolutionary movements, shaping its modern identity as an independent nation.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Spanish colonization of Mexico began in 1519 when Hernán Cortés arrived, marking the fall of the Aztec Empire.
• 😀 Cortés initially sought permission from Governor Diego Velázquez to invade Mexico but continued his expedition after being denied.
• 😀 The Aztec Emperor Montezuma II believed Cortés to be the prophesied serpent god, Quetzalcoatl, which allowed Cortés to gain favor and eventually take Montezuma hostage.
• 😀 A key setback for the Spanish came during the 'Night of Sorrows' when they were forced to retreat from Tenochtitlán, suffering heavy losses.
• 😀 Despite the retreat, Cortés returned, and by 1521, the Spanish successfully captured Tenochtitlán, marking the end of the Aztec Empire.
• 😀 Following the conquest, the Spanish established New Spain and began converting the indigenous people to Catholicism, with significant church influence.
• 😀 By the mid-1700s, King Carlos III of Spain expelled the Jesuits from New Spain, fearing their growing power, which angered many locals and sparked dissent.
• 😀 The Peninsular War, where Napoleon occupied Spain, weakened Spain's control over its colonies, triggering a rebellion in New Spain.
• 😀 The Mexican War of Independence officially began in 1810 when Miguel Hidalgo called for a rebellion, leading to years of conflict and the eventual independence of Mexico in 1821.
• 😀 The independence movement culminated with the signing of the Treaty of Córdoba in 1821, which recognized Mexico’s independence and led to the brief reign of Emperor Agustín de Iturbide, before the creation of the republic.

Q & A

What event marked the beginning of Spanish involvement in Mexico?

The Spanish involvement in Mexico began in 1519 when Hernán Cortés was authorized by Governor Diego Velázquez to lead an expedition, despite Velázquez later withdrawing his support.

Why did Emperor Montezuma II initially welcome Cortés?

Emperor Montezuma II believed that Hernán Cortés might be the serpent god, Quetzalcoatl, who was prophesied to return that year, which led him to treat Cortés as an honored guest.

How did Cortés handle the challenge of facing Pánfilo Narváez’s expedition?

Cortés left Tenochtitlán temporarily to confront Narváez, but while he was away, Pedro de Alvarado’s massacre of Aztec leaders led to a rebellion. Cortés defeated Narváez and returned to Tenochtitlán.

What was the outcome of the Spanish retreat from Tenochtitlán, known as the 'Night of Sorrows'?

During the 'Night of Sorrows,' the Spanish lost around half of their forces, along with most of their cannons and gunpowder, which forced them to retreat to the province of Tlaxcala to regroup.

How did Cortés win the Battle of Otumba despite being heavily outnumbered?

Cortés and his men used their superior armor and weaponry to turn the tide. He strategically targeted the Aztec commanders by rushing them with his skilled horsemen, leading to the death of Matlatzincatzin and a retreat by the Aztec army.

What was the significance of the Spanish victory at the Battle of Otumba?

The victory at Otumba allowed Cortés and his forces to regain confidence and continue their campaign, ultimately leading to the retaking of Tenochtitlán by August 1521, marking the fall of the Aztec Empire.

How did the Spanish colonization of Mexico affect the indigenous population?

The Spanish colonization decimated the indigenous population through violence, disease, and enslavement. By 1605, it is estimated that 24 million natives had died, largely due to diseases brought by the Spaniards.

What role did the Catholic Church play in New Spain after the Spanish conquest?

The Catholic Church gained significant influence in New Spain, beginning with missionary efforts in 1523 to convert the indigenous people. The Church played a key role in the colonization, building churches and establishing monasteries.

Why did King Carlos III expel the Jesuits from New Spain in 1767?

King Carlos III expelled the Jesuits because he was concerned about their growing power and influence in the colony, particularly their work with the indigenous people and the elite class of criollos.

What event in 1810 triggered the Mexican War of Independence?

The Mexican War of Independence was triggered on September 16, 1810, when Catholic priest Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla issued the Grito de Dolores, calling for rebellion against Spanish rule.

What was the outcome of the Treaty of Córdoba in 1821?

The Treaty of Córdoba, signed on August 24, 1821, recognized Mexico's independence from Spain and established a constitutional monarchy, which later failed when Agustín de Iturbide was overthrown in favor of a federal republic.

How did the rise of Porfirio Díaz in the 1870s affect Mexico?

Porfirio Díaz's rise led to a controversial dictatorship that sparked the Mexican Revolution in 1910, resulting in a civil war that claimed around 2 million lives and significantly changed Mexico's political landscape.

What significant development took place during Lázaro Cárdenas' presidency starting in 1934?

Lázaro Cárdenas' presidency brought stability and significant development to Mexico, helping to shape the modern Mexican state and addressing long-standing issues.