When Did Mexico Become a Country

When Did Mexico Become a Country?

Mexico, a vibrant and culturally rich nation located in North America, has a long and fascinating history. The origins of Mexico as a sovereign country can be traced back to its struggle for independence from Spanish colonial rule. Let us delve into the timeline and explore the key events that led to Mexico becoming a country.

The Spanish Conquest and Colonial Rule
Before Mexico became a country, it was inhabited by various indigenous civilizations, including the Maya and Aztecs. However, in the early 16th century, Spanish conquistadors, led by Hernán Cortés, arrived on Mexican soil. The conquest of the Aztec Empire in 1521 marked the beginning of Spanish colonial rule in Mexico.

The Fight for Independence
Fast forward to the late 18th century when the seeds of rebellion against Spanish rule began to sprout. Influenced by the ideals of the American and French revolutions, Mexican intellectuals and criollos (people of Spanish descent born in Mexico) started questioning the legitimacy of Spanish authority.

On September 16, 1810, the Mexican War of Independence commenced when Father Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla delivered his famous “Grito de Dolores,” a call to arms against Spanish oppression. This event is now celebrated annually as Mexico’s Independence Day. However, it would take another eleven years of armed conflict and political negotiations before Mexico could finally secure its independence.

The Signing of the Treaty of Córdoba
On August 24, 1821, the Treaty of Córdoba was signed, officially recognizing Mexico as an independent nation. This treaty was the result of negotiations between Mexican revolutionaries, led by Agustín de Iturbide, and representatives of the Spanish crown. The treaty marked the end of three centuries of Spanish colonial rule and the birth of the Mexican nation.

The First Mexican Empire
Following independence, Mexico initially established itself as a monarchy. Agustín de Iturbide became the Emperor of Mexico under the title Agustín I. However, his reign was short-lived, as internal divisions and conflicts led to his abdication in 1823. This marked the end of the First Mexican Empire and the beginning of the First Mexican Republic.

The Mexican-American War and the Loss of Territory
Mexico’s early years as an independent nation were marred by internal conflicts and territorial disputes. One of the most significant events during this time was the Mexican-American War, which lasted from 1846 to 1848. Mexico ultimately lost the war, resulting in the signing of the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo. As a consequence, Mexico was forced to cede large portions of its territory to the United States, including present-day California, Nevada, Utah, Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, and parts of Colorado, Wyoming, Kansas, and Oklahoma.