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 1, God, Gold and Glory

Before Cortes arrived in 1519, the land that would become Mexico had already seen some of the greatest leaders and warriors in human history. But in the collision between the Old and New Worlds, its future was forged. This episode presents the early history of Mexico up until the time of conquest by Cortes and Spain.

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.

Discussion Questions

  1. It is believed that Native Americans came from Siberia. How did ice-age hunters get from Siberia to Alsaka, and then to the Americas?

  2. Many factors influence a society’s culture. What is the role of climate in determining culture?

  3. Why is the valley of Mexico called the “cradle of Mexican civilization?”

  4. Aztecs and Mayans practiced human sacrifice. Why?

  5. Because our American culture is based on a European tradition, it was widely believed that Europeans were the most advanced culture in the past. But anthropologists, archeologists and historians have disputed these beliefs. In what ways was Mayan culture more advanced than European culture? How was European culture more advanced?

  6. How do animals influence culture and society?

  7. Why did the Aztecs go to central Mexico?

  8. When Hernando Cortes and his men arrived in Mexico, Montezuma and the Aztecs believed they were gods. Why? How did the Spaniards use this to their advantage?

  9. What is a conquistador? What was their role in Mexican history?

  10. Why did the Spaniards come to the New World? What did they hope to achieve?

  11. Why did the Aztecs turn against their ruler, Montezuma?
Extended Activities

  1. Using the medium of your choice, construct a Mexican pyramid. How do they differ from Egyptian pyramids?

  2. Mayans, like Egyptians, used a system of pictures called hieroglyphics. Create your own hieroglyphics and write a short story about your life using them.

  3. Imagine that you are one of Cortes’ men. Write a journal about your travels and adventure.
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