Introduction
Mexico is a country containing 31 States and one federal district. Its population stands at around 100 million and is the third largest country in Latin America. Due to this, the population number also holds the place as the country with the most Spanish-speaking individuals, whether this be Latin Spanish or different types of dialects within the country. The society has grown in efficiency and improvement of quality of life, but this growth doesn’t extend to the whole country. Many states have small towns (publeblos) who live-style is still similar to that of their ancestors.
where it all began
The first recorded society was the Olmecs, who settled near the Gulf: more promentaly know a Veracruz. Their main population was in San Lorenzo from 12000 to 900B.C. and the second location was La Venta in Tabasco; its civilization lasted until 600 B.C. Later on, between 250 and 900 A.D., the Mayans flourished. They are regarded as one of Mexico’s brilliant civilizations, as they created their own calendar and writing system. Within the Mayans is also were Mexico began to see a prominent rise in Religion as they would build altars with inscriptions of specific dates according to either celebration or deity they worshiped. The Matan civilization, however, collapsed in the 10th century due to poor regulation, overpopulation, and supplies unable to keep up with its growth, causing an ecological imbalance.
The final civilization before the Spanish conquest was the Aztecs. This civilization was created through partnering with the Toltecs and what was left of the Mayans. Through their alliance, the Aztec empire soon reached from the Pacific Ocean to the Gulf Coast. Its recorded population stood at five million, which was then divided into units called Calpulli. These units would have their own council, armies, schooling systems, and temples. Each unit would then pay tribute to the empire’s supreme leader accordingly. Another aspect that the Aztecs incorporated into their civilization was the Mayans’ religious ceremonies. However, their ceremonies often included human sacrifices that ranged from captured enemy warriors to the firstborn child of every family in order to appease their gods.
Middle history to Now
In the year 1519, Hernán Cortés arrived in Mexico. Upon his arrival, the Aztec king, Moctezuma II, and his people mistook Cortés for their serpent god Quetzalcoatl. Cortés used this to his advantage, and while on his way to the city, he made allies with their enemies. They arrived at the city in May 1521, and the Aztecs were overthrown. This empire and its land became the land of Spain with a new name: Nueva España. Spain gained full control of the empire in 1574, and as a result, many of the native people were enslaved and became ill due to sickness brought over by the Spaniards. The population decreased by 24 million people between 1521 and 1605. Later on in 1523, the rise of Catholicism in Mexico began. Many converted over to Catholicism, and it was mixed with the natives’ pre-established religion. From here on, Mexico would deal with many power struggles from the church’s ever-growing power and the changes in power in Spain.
Mexico federal replublic, with its 19 states and four territories were established under Antonio López de Santa Anna. He would be their president until he was defeated in the Mexican-American War. Mexico would be drawn once again into a power struggle with the French, now occupying some areas. This struggle saw its end after a 10-year civil war, but its price was two million deaths. Lázaro Cárdenas was Mexico’s president during this time and helped the country by establishing the ejido system. With this system, the citizens were able to get back on their feet, and the economy began to recover.
After the events of WWII, Mexico saw an increase in population and outward community stability with the addition of roads, tracks, and factories. The internal state of its economy became very unstable. Struggles between the wealthy and the poor led to discrimination and imbalance. This struggle continues into now, as Mexico has grown into a tourist attraction in some areas; its poverty just outside of tourist view is still struggling, and attempts to restructure this imbalance have yet to create a lasting fix.
To dive deeper into Mexico’s history, check out History.com for more information.