A Timeline of Mexico

The country of Mexico has a rich and involved history. From its humble beginnings, Mexico has succeeded in building a nation that stands shoulder-to-shoulder with other modern nations. Ancient civilizations built vast cities in Mexico. These ancient cultures have had a weighty impact on the overall cultural makeup of this nation. The Mexican economy is buoyed by the tourism industry, including vacation rentals. Mexico points of interest include Cancun, Copper Canyon, Puerto Vallarta, Rocky Point rentals, and Puerto Peñasco. Reservations are easily accessible.
 

• 1500 B.C. – In roughly 1000 B.C., the Olmecs established their civilization. The Olmecs’ civilization was located in central and southern Mexico, but it disappeared in approximately 400 B.C.
• 600 B.C. – Olmec influence gave way to other civilizations, including Mayan and Teotihuacán cultures.
• 250 – The Mayan civilization became a dominant influence. Mayas left behind ruins that indicate advanced architectural capabilities.

• 600 – The Toltec civilization gained a hold in Mexico’s central valley, thanks to their militaristic approach.
• 900 – The Toltec civilization dominated Mexico until invaders finally weakened and subdued it in 1200.
• 1325 – Aztecs migrated to the central valley to settle. Eventually, the Aztecs joined with two other civilizations to form a three-way alliance in this region.
• 1428 – The Aztec civilization continued to grow in Mexico. Aztec economy boomed and the empire grew, creating temples, bustling markets, and powerful political forces.
• 1517 – The first European explorer arrived on the Yucatán peninsula. Francisco Fernández de Córdoba clashed with Mexican inhabitants, and he returned to Cuba with reports about his findings.
• 1519 – Hernán Cortés left Cuba and arrived on the Yucatán peninsula, intending to take over the region. Cortés proceeded to march his troops inland into Mexico.
• 1521 – Spaniard forces and their allies engaged in battles with the Aztecs and their allies. Eventually the Spaniard forces overcame the Aztecs and this civilization fell. Cortés proceeded to raze the Aztec city, and he built Mexico City to replace it.
• 1808 – Napoleon Bonaparte assumed control of Spain. European conflicts set the stage for the Mexican war for independence.
• 1810 – Father Manuel Hidalgo incited a Mexican rebellion as inhabitants sought independence from the political forces that occupied Mexico City.
• 1814 (PDF) – Jose Morelos, a Mexican priest, took over for Hidalgo after his death. Morelos announced a Mexican republic.
• 1821 – The Plan of Iguala established Mexico as an independent nation. The Roman Catholic Church was the official state church.
• 1823 – Guadalupe Victoria became the first elected president of Mexico.
• 1833 – Antonio López de Santa Anna became president of Mexico. Sam Houston defeated Santa Anna in 1836 in the battle of San Jacinto.
• 1846 – The United States declared war on Mexico as the two countries vied for Texas. The U.S. defeated Mexico after a series of invasions.
• 1857 – Juan Álvarez led Mexico toward reform with a new constitution that allowed freedoms such as freedom of speech and male suffrage.
• 1861 – Benito Júarez became Mexican president. Júarez is best remembered for his suspension of payment for Mexico’s debts to other governments. France placed Maximilian, the Archduke of Austria, onto the Mexican throne.
• 1867 – With Benito Júarez still the recognized leader of Mexico by many nations, France removed its troops from Mexico City. Maximilian relinquished his throne and Júarez reassumed his control of Mexico. Maximilian is executed.
• 1877 – Porfirio Díaz became Mexico’s leader and ruled until 1911. Díaz was instrumental in Mexico’s economic and commercial growth during his control.
• 1910 – Francisco Madero opposed Díaz in a presidential election and won. Madero began working toward a popular revolution of Mexico.

• 1913 – Riots broke out and Madero was deposed in a coup by led by General Victoriano Huerta. Huerta assumed the title of dictator and ordered the execution of Madero.
• 1917 – Venustiano Carranza kept Mexico out of World War I. Carranza paved the way to a new Mexican constitution.
• 1923 – General Álvaro Obregón was the Mexican president. Obregón stepped down briefly from the office of president, and he was then reelected in 1928.
• 1934 – Lázaro Cárdenas was elected president. Cárdenas was instrumental in reforms such as distributing land to peasants and administration of the oil industry.
• 1940 – Manuel Ávila Camacho was elected Mexican president. Because of its alliance with the United States, Mexico declared war on the Axis powers after the Pearl Harbor attack.
• 1946 – A new civilian president assumed power. Miguel Alemán led Mexico through economic growth during this era.
• 1968 – The 1968 Olympic Games was hosted by Mexico City, despite a violent demonstration that occurred about 10 days before the opening of the games.
• 1976 – Oil is discovered in the Bay of Campeche. Later analysis of the oil reveals that it is of low quality.
• 1985 – An earthquake occurred on September 19, 1985, killing almost 10,000 people.
• 1992 – Mexico’s President Carlos Salinas signed the North American Free Trade Agreement with U.S. President George H.W. Bush and Canadian Prime Minister Brian Mulroney.
• 1994 (PDF) – Ernesto Zedillo Ponce de Leon became Mexican president. Shortly thereafter, the Mexican peso took a sharp plunge in value.
• 2000 – The Mexican presidency shifted over to Vicente Fox. Fox led the country with a conservative hand, working toward beneficial reform.
• 2006 (PDF) – A close election resulted in a presidential victory for Felipe Calderón. This new president’s focus turned to internal issues such as social injustice and poverty.
• Present Day – In 2012, Enrique Peña Nieto was elected Mexico’s president. His focus centers on economic growth while addressing issues such as drug-related violence.

 
Although Mexico continues to struggle with significant issues such as poverty and drug-related violence, modest growth indicates improvements throughout the country. Consumer confidence continues to wane somewhat as residents struggle to remain optimistic about their economy. The beauty of the region reliably pulls tourists in for vacation rentals. Mexico offers sunny warmth and a rich historical culture for visitors. Tourists can find a variety of accommodations, including Rocky Point rentals, and Puerto Peñasco reservations.