Mexico

Its history is written in the blood of conquest. Forged in the conflict between the Old and New Worlds, it is Mexico. From the glory of Incan and Mayan cultures to the chaotic heart of the modern capital, from Cortes’ arrival to Pancho Villa’s famous raid, Mexico travels across the country and through its past. It is a compelling chronicle of a land shaped by the rise and fall of empires, the exploits of men like Montezuma and Maximillian, and near-constant battles for freedom, sovereignty and independence.

Mexico would be useful for classes on Mexican History, World History, Hispanic Culture, American History and Geography. It is appropriate for middle school and high school.

Mexico fulfills the following National Standards for World History for grades 5-12: Chronological thinking, historical comprehension, historical analysis and interpretation, historical research capabilities, historical issues-analysis and decision-making for Eras 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9.

Part 2, From Independence to the Alamo

For 300 years after the conquistadors’ triumph over the Aztecs, Mexico was the crown jewel of the Spanish colonial empire. But the injustices of the feudal system Spain imposed and the excesses of the Inquisition sparked the fires of revolution.

Students will observe the events that changed the land of Mexico from a glorious empire to a colonized society, and finally to an independent nation. They will analyze the differences in a society ruled by indigenous peoples and one ruled by foreign invaders, and how these societies combined to form a new and unique society that eventually becomes modern day Mexico. They will also learn how world events impact societies and influence their histories, and how global events shaped Mexico.

• Arid
• Atrocities
• Benign
• Conquest
• Coronation
• Creoles
• Dank
• Decimated
• Dogma
• Evangelize
• Exploited
• Flamboyant
• Heresy
• Icon
• Impoverished
• Isolated
• Machete
• Means
• Mestizo
• Miscegenation
• Permeate
• Sedentary
• Tyranny
• Waned

Discussion Questions

1. Who are the Mestizos? How did these people shape the culture of Mexico?

2. Native Americans and Mestizos vastly outnumbered the Spaniards who settled in Mexico. Why did the Spaniards, despite their small numbers, reign at the top of the social, economic and political hierarchy?

3. Discuss the role of the Catholic Church in Mexican society and culture.

4. Why did many of the Native Americans readily adapt to Christianity?

5. How were Catholic churches tangible symbols of Spain’s wealth and power?

6. How did the Spaniards, despite their small numbers, maintain authority and control over the indigenous peoples of Mexico?

7. Compare the life of a peasant and a Spanish nobleman/noblewoman in the 17th century.

8. Why is Miguel Hidalgo called the “father of Mexican independence?”

9. Although Hidalgo was a Catholic priest, he defied both the Church and Spanish authority. Discuss how Hidalgo challenged both Spain and the church.

10. How did Mexico finally achieve its independence?

11. Discuss the role of Stephen Austin in the colonization of Texas.

12. What is manifest destiny? How has this ideology shaped American history?

13. Discuss the significance of the Alamo in Texan history.

Extended Activities

1. On a map of the Americas, trace the path of Miguel Hidalgo’s revolution.

2. Create an advertisement to lure Americans to come and settle in Texas.

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Air Dates

• October 04, 2005