The Aztecs
The most well known of Mexico's ancient cultures are the Aztecs. Their empire was comprised of three Nahua groups, who established themselves in the Valley of Mexico with Tenochtitlán as the capital city, currently known as Mexico City. The empire was flourishing when Spanish conquistadors arrived in 1519 and began taking over. By 1521, the Aztecs had been conquered by the troops of Hernán Cortés.

The Colonial Period
With the fall of the Aztec capital came the rise to power of the first Spanish viceroy, Antonio de Mendoza and the first form of colonial government in Mexico. Colonial Mexican lifestyle consisted of the exploitation of the Indians on farms and in mines. There was an establishment of strict social classes which included; the Indians, the mestizos, black slaves, freed blacks, and white Mexicans. The highest of classes included those native to Spain or of European decent. During the colonial period, the Roman Catholic Church gained power in Mexico and became incredibly wealthy due to the missionaries work. Bribery and extortion in the colonial administration became common themes concerning the home government of Spain.

War of Independence
The Mexican War of Independence was sparked as a result of the corruption caused by internal disputes within the Spanish controlled government. The chief initiator of the War for Independence (1810-1821) was priest, Miguel Hidalgo when he revolted against the Spanish rule on the 16th of September, 1810. This has now become known as Mexico's National Day. In 1924, the first Mexican president, Guadalupe Victoria instituted a Federeal Republic and wanted to develop a more democratic society. It wasn't until 1836 that Mexico was involved in another fight for independence, this time from the United States. Mexico was defeated and lost territories known today as California, Texas, New Mexico and Arizona.

The Mexican Revolution

In 1887 Porfirio Diaz's presidency caused social unrest and was the fuel to trigger the Mexican Revolution. However, the new president, Francisco I. Madero's assassination was the spark. The Mexican Revolution stemming from much nationalist, socialist and anarchist thought was a violent social and cultural movement focusing greatly on the establishment of labor rights. After fighting off dictator Victoriano Huerta, under the new leadership of Venustiano Carranza, an advanced constitution was finally approved in 1917.

Mexican Artwork
Painting and sculpture has been instilled in the rich culture of Mexico even before the conquistadores landed. Mexican artists have been known to integrate many artistic innovations from Europe with their own cultural and Spanish influences. Some of the most significant and famous names in Mexican art stem from the colonial years to the early 20th century and include José Guadalupe Posada (1851-1913), Diego Rivera (1886-1957), David Alfaro Siqueiros ( 1896-1974), and José Clemente Orozco (1883- 1949). All painters incorporated Spanish techniques in their fresco revival through remarkable bold murals, which represented important political messages, powerful scenes, and Mexican history.