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Latin American History: Mexico

From Montezuma to the Zapatistas, the History of Mexico is long and rich. It is full of unforgettable characters, such as the statesman Benito Juarez and the mad general Antonio López de Santa Anna. It is also where you will find some very important events, such as the conquest of the Aztec Empire and the Mexican Revolution.
Biography of Alvaro Obregón
As the Mexican Revolution turned into a bloody battle for survival, one man and his army rose to the top: Sonoran Garbanzo bean farmer Alvaro Obregón.
Mexican Revolution: The Battle of Celaya
In Mexico in early 1915, two titans prepared for a face off. The famous Pancho Villa, bandit, horseman and warlord, owned the lawless north. Sent to tame him was Alvaro Obregon, the brilliant former chick pea farmer who was fast becoming one of the Mexican Revolution's best generals. They met at the town of Celaya on April 6-15, 1915, in a contest that would resonate all over Mexico.
The Battle of Zacatecas
June, 1914: Surrounded on all sides by rebel armies, Mexican President Victoriano Huerta sent most of his remaining soldiers and one of his best generals to defend the strategic city of Zacatecas. The federal troops dug in and set their defenses. It seemed invulnerable, but their opponent was Pancho Villa and the mighty Division of the North. The resulting clash became the stuff of legend.
Biography of Pascual Orozco - Pascual Orozco Profile
Pascual Orozco was an important leader during the early days of the Mexican Revolution (1910-1920). For a while, he commanded the largest rebel army in the field, but his fortunes fell when he supported the unpopular Victoriano Huerta. He died in a gunfight in Texas in 1915 as he tried to re-enter Mexico and raise a new army.
The Biography of William Walker
William Walker was the greatest of the American "filibusters:" men who attacked sovereign nations as a private enterprise, generally with the eventual aim of joining them to the United States. His greatest triumph happened in 1855-1857, when he took control of Nicaragua and named himself president.
Biography of Hernán Cortés
Hernán Cortés, with dwindling provisions and 600 soldiers, was able to defeat the mighty Aztec Empire and its tens if not hundreds of thousands of warriors. Later, he served as governor of New Spain and was given the title of Marquis by the King of Spain.
Cinco de Mayo/The Battle of Puebla
The famous "Cinco de Mayo" widely celebrated in Mexico is not, as many believe, Mexico's Independence day, but rather the anniversary of a battle between French and Mexican forces on May 5, 1862. The Mexicans, outnumbered and outgunned, won with determination and courage that is still celebrated today.
The Pastry War (Mexico vs. France, 1838-1839)
The Pastry War, fought over certain debts and reparations owed by Mexico to France, took place for several months in 1838-1839 and ended in a French Victory. Considered a minor conflict in the history of Mexico, it nevertheless had important consequences.
Biography of Roberto Gómez Bolaños (Chespirito)
Biography of Roberto Gómez Bolaños, a.k.a. Chespirito, Mexican writer and actor who made famous characters such as el Chavo del 8 and el Chapulín Colorado.
Biography of Diego Rivera
Diego Rivera was Mexico's best-known muralist. An avowed communist, he was as well known for controversy as art, and his is also famous for his volatile marriage to fellow artist Frida Kahlo.
The Tlatelolco Massacre
The Tlatelolco Massacre, often referred to as "Mexico's Kent State," was in reality far more horrific, as hundreds of protesters, most of them students, were gunned down by government security forces.
Frida Kahlo
A short biography of the famous painter, with important works and quotes.
The Mexican -American War
A very detailed description of the Mexican-American War, with details of events leading up to the war, the war itself and the aftermath.

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