The Roots of Modern Day Mexico

6th Grade Social Studies

The Arrival of the Spanish

Hernan Cortes first landed in Mexico Hoped to gain new lands for Spain and

gold and glory for himself Landed in 1519 with 500 soldiers Claimed land for king and queen However, he quickly learned this land

was ruled by Aztec emperor Montezuma II

A Clash of Cultures

Montezuma II ruled a empire between 5 and 6 million people

Some wanted to be free so they helped Spanish conquer the Aztec king

However, they did not expect the Spanish would become their new rulers

The First Encounter

Montezuma II first welcomed Cortes with gifts, even allowed Cortes to stay in a royal palace

Within a week, Cortes took Montezuma II prisoner and took control of the Aztec Empire

The Spanish Takeover

Other leaders drove the Spanish from Tenochtitlan (the capital)

During that fighting, Montezuma II was killed Spanish retook the city, greatly aided by their

Native American allies Another advantage: their weapons Aztec had clubs, spears, and arrows Spanish had steel swords, armor, guns, and

cannons, as well as horses Explain why it was so easy for the Spanish to

take over.

The Founding of New Spain

Fall of Tenochtitlan in 1521 marked the end of the Aztec empire and beginning of Spanish rule

Called “New Spain” Established Mexico City as their capital

in the spot the Aztec capital used to stand

Ruled Mexico for 300 years

A New Way of Life

Changed a lot about the Mexican way of life

Brought new animals – horses, cattle, sheep, and pigs

New trades – ironsmithing and shipbuilding

New religion - Christianity

The Influence of the Church

Catholic church quickly became a powerful influence

Set up churches, schools, and hospitals Some Native Americans accepted it

willingly, sometimes they were forced to become a Christian against their will

A Cultural Blend

Old ways were not lost entirely Essential element of Native American

cooking was the tortilla Tortillas are still made daily all over

Mexico As with food, many other aspects of the

two cultures blended in the new Mexican culture

Ever tried a tortilla? Want to taste one?

The War of Independence

Many Mexican political and religious writers in the early 1800s were saying Mexicans should be free to choose their own government

Demand for freedom grew stronger after 1808 when France conquered Spain

A Cry for Freedom

Before dawn of September 16, 1810 – farmers in the mountain village of Dolores heard their church bells ringing

Father Miguel Hidalgo gave a fiery speech urging them to throw off Spanish rule

Known as Grito de Dolores (Cry of Dolores) – marched to Mexico City and thousands joined them along the way

A Difficult Challenge

Father Hidalgo’s army had few weapons – mostly carried clubs and farm tools

When they faced the government soldiers, farmers were soon defeated

Father Hidalgo was captured and executed, but the revolution he had sparked did not die

Independence at Last

New leaders took Father Hidalgo’s place Struggle lasted for 11 years 1821 – rebels finally overthrew the Spanish

government and Mexico became independent Peninsulares and criollos still ruled the country Native Americans and mestizos benefited little

from idependence from Spain

The Mexican Revolution

Francisco Madero – one of the first revolutionary leaders

Wanted land of their own Emiliano Zapata – legendary fighter for

farmers’ rights

Between 1910 and 1920 more than 1 million Mexicans died in battles of the Revolution

1917 – new constitution written – one promise was to distribute land equally

Institutional Revolutionary Party Won all elections from 1929 - 2000

Government Today

Vicente Fox – new president 31 states make up nation They have elections State and local governments