| Estados Unidos Mexicanos |
By Santiago Flores
Mexico was originally ruled by the Aztecs, one of the seven tribes
from the land of Aztlan that settled in the area of what is today
the capital of the republic. The country was conquered and subsequently
colonized by the Spanish conquistadores who ruled Mexico from 1521
to 1821, when the war of independence was won. Firstly, a republic
was established, followed by a monarchy.
Mexico endured internal fighting between liberal and conservative
factions. The country also suffered from foreign interventions, specifically
from France and the United States. It lost half of its territory in
the Mexican-American War of 1846- 1848 with the signing of the treaties
of Guadelupe Hidalgo.
In the 1860's Mexico fought the French, who, with the backing of conservative
factions, tried to established a monarchy in Mexico. With US aid the
French were forced out, putting an end to Napoleon III dream of establishing
a foothold in the Americas.
General Porfirio Diaz, a hero who fought the French invaders, subsequently
ruled the country for over thirty years. His rule triggered the start
of the Mexican Revolution of November 20th, 1910, lasting into the
early twenties. Internal fighting between the many revolutionary factions
occurred, ending with the establishment of a solid government formed
in the twenties and thirties, led by military personnel.
From 1936 till 1939, Mexico backed the Spanish Republican government
in their civil war. Support consisted of weapons, volunteers and the
recognition of the republican government, even after their defeat.
Mexico declared war on the Axis Powers in May 1942 after German U-boats
sunk a number of Mexican ships in or around the Gulf of Mexico.
Mexico sent a fighter squadron helping to liberate the Philippines
in 1945, and in addition thousands of volunteers joined the allied
armies. The Bracero program was established to send Mexican labour
workers to the United States to help replace manpower left for war.
After WW II the country was ruled by succession of civilian governments
under one party rule, lasting more than 70 years. Just recently the
Mexican people elected its first opposition president, Lic. Vicente
Fox Quesada.
Source
www.lonelyplanet.nl
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Photo: Ivan Peña Nesbit, Mexico Air Spotters
Photo: Ivan Peña Nesbit, Mexico Air Spotters
Photo: Ivan Peña Nesbit, Mexico Air Spotters
Photo: Ivan Peña Nesbit, Mexico Air Spotters
Photo: Ivan Peña Nesbit, Mexico Air Spotters
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Fuerza Aérea Mexicana
