Just A Brief Look

I am going on a mission trip to Mexico tomorrow, so I thought that I would write about the history of the country. The most prominent cultures between 1800 and 300 B.C. were the Olmec, Teotihuacan, Maya, Zapotec, Mixtec, Huatec, Purepecha, Toltec, and Mexica (also known as the Aztec) civilizations. These people began forming complex societies, advancing in mathematics, astronomy, medicine, writing, agriculture, engineering, and theology. These civilizations were mainly known for their construction of pyramids, highly-accurate calendar systems, and the use of the wheel. Copper and gold were also used in these societies, but these were the only forms of metal. Large cities were built and the culture thrived during this time.

The civilizations of early Mexico changed dramatically after the arrival of Spanish colonists. Spain established their colonies after overtaking the area of Mexico in 1521. The Mexicans were never able to free themselves from Spanish rule until 1821. A Mexican revolution began after Napoleon I invaded Spain. The Mexicans took advantage of Spain preoccupation in their own country to initiate a revolution. Their war against Spain lasted eleven years, but finally ended with a Mexican victory.

The Mexicans were able to establish their first independent government at this time after so many years of Spanish rule. They created a Republic, with Guadalupe as the president. This is only an extremely brief history of Mexico, but it gives you a general idea of what happened. I do find it interesting after finishing my Vietnam project that Mexico was also ruled by a European country. Vietnam certainly was not the only country dealing with a European country taking away their independence in their early history.