Hernan Cortes Conquers the Aztecs

• On November 18, 1519, Spanish explorer Hernan Cortes arrived at the Aztec Empire. The Aztecs believed him to be a god reincarnated and received him warmly. Cortes responded by taking Emperor Moctezuma II captive and eventually destroying their city.
  
  

Mexican War of Independence

• On September 16, 1810, Miquel Hildago y Costilla led a revolt against the ruling Spaniards. This started the Mexican War of Independence.
  
  

Mexican-American War

• The countries of the United States and Mexico were at war from 1846 to 1848. The war was caused because of the United State's desire to fulfill "Manifest Destiny" and because of the recent secession of Texas from Mexico.
  
  

Cinco De Mayo

• On May 5, 1862, the Mexican army defeated the French at the Battle of Puebla. The battle was fought because France had invaded Mexico after Mexico had stopped repaying debts owed. Cinco De Mayo is often confused with Mexican Independence Day.
  
  

Mexican Revolution, 1910

• The Mexican Revolution of 1910 started after when Francesco I. Madero attempted to overthrow the president, General Diaz, who had been in office continuously since 1884.