Mexican History
Hans Hereijgers
Latest Articles
The Mexican-American War (1846-1848): Part II
Once the first hostilities broke out north of the Texan-Mexican border, war became inevitable. Two years afterwards, the USA had gained more than 1.5 million kilometers of new territory...
The Mexican-American War (1846-1848): Part I
Why is today's relationship between Mexicans and Americans (alias gringos) sometimes as tense as it is? No doubt there are a lot of explanations that concern problems that both countries are currently coping with. However, there might also be historical reasons for it. One of them is this war, fought between ...
During one of my trips to Mexico, something happened which still puzzles me today. It all started the morning our bus stopped in Poza Rica in the state of Veracruz, which would prove to be near the centre of the ancient Totonaca civilization. We did not know it at the time, ...
When Mexico’s first indigenous President Benito Juarez takes the decision in the early 1860s to stop the payment of their debts to foreign nations for a period of two years, the French Emperor Napoleon III sees an opportunity to expand his empire to the New World. He sends Archduke Maximilian and ...
A great part of the Mexican 19th Century would be dominated by president and dictator Santa Anna. How did he succeed in becoming so powerful? How was he able to regain power after losing it time and again? And how did he end up? Adelante!
After Hidalgo and Morelos’ death, the fire and desire for independence had not stopped burning. Another six years were needed to achieve the ultimate goal. The Plan of Iguala, drawn up by Guerrero and Iturbide and accepted by all layers of the population and Spain’s last viceroy, would prove decisive.
In 1821, after 11 years of struggling, Mexico obtained its independence from Spain. This is a story of heroic men, a heroic revolution, a heroic time. Many people perished but, in the end, the goal is achieved: Spain kicked out forever. Learn of men like Hidalgo, Morelos, Guerrero and many others, ...
The Legend of La Llorona or the weeping woman
The Legend of La Llorona, known by every Mexican, tells the story of a woman that will weep for eternity. Read and find out what's the cause of her tears and cries.
Mariachi or true Mexican culture
Mexican music will almost be immediately associated with Mariachis, and the other way around. Read about their history, the origin of the word, and how it became famous worldwide...
Moctezuma, one of the most famous Aztec rulers, did not no how to treat the Spanish invaders. Was it Quetzalcoatl who had returned to claim his empire? It was a question that would agonize Moctezuma for the rest of his life...