This document provides an overview of early civilizations in Mexico and their history up until the Spanish colonization period. It discusses the Olmecs as the first known civilization from 1500-400 BCE, the Mayans from 2600 BCE to present who had many cities and advanced writing, and the Aztecs from 1400-400 BCE who had complex economic and legal systems. It then summarizes how the Spanish led by Cortes conquered the Aztecs in 1519 despite technological advantages, and the beginnings of Mexican independence led by Miguel Hidalgo.

1. Frank MartinMidterm PowerPoint

2. Early CivilizationVery little is known of civilization before the Aztecs. Many of the records and history of older civilizations were burned when they were conquered. Scientists are continuing to discover new information about these ancient civilizations through archaeological technology.Ancient Siberians arrived in Alaska during the ice age, and ended up spread throughout the Americas. Between 40,000 BCE and 5,000 BCE ancient nomads found a place in Mexico.Early civilizations learned slowly, figuring out that they could plant seeds to grow useful plants, work together to complete various tasks, and so on

3. The Olmecs (1500-400 B.C.E.)First civilization that we know about that had a lifetime from 1500 BCE to 400 BCE. An advanced civilization for their time, the Olmecs had calendars and a written language. Had many sculptures that some scientists have claimed are models of aliens.By 1200 BCE the Olmecs had cities containing the oldest pyramids known in the Americas.Spread much of their culture throughout Southern Mexico before Olmec cities were destroyed by an unknown source.

4. The Mayans (2600 B.C.E.-Present)One of the most important Mexican civilizations.Territories stretch from Honduras to part of TabascoSpoke over thirty different languagesCities were more like large shopping malls where sometimes the king lived while people lived in outlying villages.Unique art and progressive literacy.Mayan civilization reached its peak between 400 CE and 900 CE when it collapsed.

5. The Aztecs (1400-400 B.C.E.)Were not as advanced as Europeans; however, the Aztecs did have a complex economic system as well as a complex legal system. They even had what would resemble an early release program for minor offenses that allowed criminals to clean the streets instead of doing jail time.Public intoxication was punished very harshly, including the death penalty upon second offense.Ruling class penalties, such as a judge accepting a bribe, were much more harsh, and included torture and execution.Largely agricultural

6. Spanish ColonizationThe Spaniards began conversions to the Christian religion in 1519.Herman Cortes was a significant Spanish leader who took down the Aztec empire. He knew enough about law to seize land and take over as ruler.The Spaniards were far more technologically advanced than the locals because the local’s weapons were not designed to kill but only to capture.The locals did not know if the Spaniards were men or gods at first because of their superior technology.Cortes took the Aztec leader captive but was ultimately driven out by Aztec revolts. After recruiting more troops and conquering several different civilizations, he returned and took over the Aztecs.Cortez had the Aztec people rebuild the capital, known today as Mexico City.

7. Mexican IndependenceMexican independence was led by a well-known priest named Miguel Hidalgo. Hidalgo used speeches to convert people to his army that numbered in the tens of thousands.Hidalgo began the revolution against the Mexican government and ultimately won their independence.

8. The Early RepublicAfter the independence of Mexico was gained, the country faced many trying times politically and economically. Mexico ran through one president per year for forty years.Four different forms of governments were used.Mexico was invaded several times and lost half of its territory.