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Whenever you encounter a foreigner in a coffee shop or at your local gas station and engage in small talk only to discover that he or she knows little about American history and its traditions you probably can’t help feel a little bewildered. How can someone living in another country not have the courtesy to learn its traditions, customs and pride?
You may be quick to point the finger at someone else but if you plan on living in or at least owning property in Mexico, you should learn why their residents have so much pride for their country.
Obviously you can take this step as far as you want and enroll in Mexico history and cultural lessons but the article, “Mexico’s History: What You Need To Know” posted on mexicoretirement.net provides the essential basics of Mexico history to help you better appreciated the Mexico culture.
Just like Americans living in the United States, Mexicans have a detailed knowledge of their country’s history. It defines the characteristics of how they came to be.
While little is known about the Mexico land area before 1500 B.C., from this time through 300 A.D. is when Mexico began developing its civilization and it all started with early agriculture.
“Before you know it, whamo – the Olmec civilization is born! Beginning around 1200 B.C. the Olmec culture often viewed as the ‘mother culture’ of Mexico and it is widely believed to have acted as the foundation for all future cultures and civilizations in Mexico.”
“The Olmecs evolved to be a powerful, advanced society and is known today for its development of mural painting, a written language, a calendar, and advances in mathematics and astronomy (It’s worth noting that the Olmecs are among the world’s first civilizations to grasp the concept of zero). The Olmecs also were busy builders and artists and are known for their large pyramids, and sculptures (particularly distinctive carved heads found today throughout Yucatan).”
According to the article, eventually the Olmec civilization began weakening, thus creating several smaller cultures throughout Mexico. From about 300-900 A.D. the Zapotecs and Teotihuacan became Mexico’s dominant cultural powers. The Zapotecs are mostly recognized today for their affiliation with Indian tribes, which can be seen in many art forms and nutritional diets today.
“Meanwhile the Teotihuacan were building what would become one of the world’s largest cities about 30 miles northeast of present-day Mexico City. At its peak this ‘City of the Gods’ had a population of well over 100,000 people with a well defined class structure, number system, and 260 day calendar.”
Perhaps the most famous and mysterious Mexico society was the Mayans, whom were in majority control of the land in 750 but suddenly collapsed by 850.
“Nobody is certain as to why, but the current theory is that a combination of disease, drought, and constant warring contributed to the fall. Mayan influence can still be seen throughout the Yucatan in the form of ruins, temples, and the local population, many of whom are direct descendants.” These Mayan architectural artifacts still support the majority of Mexico’s tourism.
Mexico’s history encounters a strange twist in its Post Classical Period from 900 to 1521. The Teotihuacan, unlike any other civilization in world history, regained power of Mexico with a belief in Quetzalcoatl around 900 A.D. after a 200 year lapse.
“Quetzalcoatl was – at that time – a god responsible for peace and civilization. Around the year 900 the Toltec, a nomadic tribe, decided to put down roots in the Valley of Mexico and adopt Quetzalcoatl as their god.”
The Toltec power eventually waned and gave way to another infamous civilization; the Mexicas (Aztecs). Aztecs also believed in Quetzalcoatl, which has been important in shaping Mexico’s culture.
“Legend has it that when the Aztecs arrived at Lake Texcoco in 1325 (now modern-day Mexico City), they saw a sign which had been foretold years earlier: on an island in the lake was an eagle sitting on a cactus eating a snake. It meant they had found their new home. This image is so important to Mexicans that it is the symbol of their country flag.”
Then came the Spanish Conquest, which lead into the Colonial Period from 1521 to 1821.
Hernan Cortes and his 11 ships sailed from Spain and were very well received by the Aztecs like gods. But Cortes took advantage of this hospitality and defeated the Aztec army even though the Spaniards were severely outnumbered. A Spanish-Christian government was then established and ruled in Mexico for 300 years.
“The Roman Catholic church also came with the Spanish, and by 1821 was granted ½ of all property and wealth from New Spain. The church worked aggressively to integrate and then convert the Indian population to Christianity. This effort continues even today with Indian populations in Mexico, and Mexicans are among the most devoutly Roman Catholic nations in the world.”
Now by the early 19th century many Mexicans are of Spanish and Indian blood but these “new” Mexicans were tired of being governed under Spanish rule.
“When Napoleon toppled the Spanish monarchy in Europe, Mexico jumped at the chance to declare their independence on September 15th 1810. Celebrated as El Grito or ‘The Call’ this date commemorates the day Father Miguel Hidalgo is said to have raised the banner of the Virgin Guadalupe and shouted ‘Mexicanos, viva Mexico!’ The Mexican rebellion lasted nearly 11 years and on September 9th 1821, Mexico was able to declare ‘La Independencia’ from Spain.”
Once Mexico gained this new independence it would not be free from political opposition.
In 1836, Mexico and its new leader, Santa Ana, were unsuccessful in defending their right to Texas in a losing battle against the U.S. at the Alamo. However, this defeat did not stop Santa Ana from attempting to claim back the land.
“This action provoked Santa Ana to attack and the US declared war. By 1848 the U.S. Army had captured Mexico City and the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo was signed which ceded not only Texas, but New Mexico, Arizona, California, and Nevada to the U.S.”
Then anarchy and civil war settled in Mexico history until Benito Juarez was able to overthrow Maximillian in 1867. He stayed in power for the next five years until his death and remains Mexico’s most beloved politician to this day.
“In 1910 Mexico was again plunged into civil war in the name of revolution. Peasant leaders including Pancho Villa and Emiliano Zapata led revolts against the wealthy and industry which destroyed the national economy. Finally, 10 years later an exhausted country held elections and in 1929 a party system was devised, led by the Partido Revolucionario Institucioinal (PRI) which is still a very powerful political party today.”
Now, you might not be able to spiel the entire history of Mexico if you find yourself talking to a local on a street corner but with knowledge comes appreciation.
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