Mexico

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MEXICO

In September we learn about Mexico's independence, and the fact that it is not el Cinco de Mayo. The students are tested on the following information:

Mexico is located on the continent of North America.

Mexican Day of Independence is September 16,1810 (16 septiembre 1810 -diez y seis de septiembre).

Many parts of the southwest U.S. belonged to Mexico before 1828: CA -California, NV-Nevada, Wyoming, UT, CO-Colorado, AZ, NM, KS, OK, TX. Many generations of Mexicans and Mexican Americans have lived in that area since long before it became part of the US. "Scholastic News" 2001.

Thousands of years ago many cultural groups of native peoples lived in Mexico:

-Lived in large cities with beautiful artwork & buildings.

-Built pyramids using stones.

1521 - Spanish soldiers came to conquer people of Mexico.

-Became Spanish colony called "New Spain."

-The native people were made to speak Spanish and were treated badly.

-Spanish priests taught Christianity.

-Mexico was under Spanish rule for 300 years.

Father Miguel Hidalgo, who was the son of Spaniards, inspired the natives to revolt although the Spanish troops were very strong.

-famous speach Grito de Dolores (Cry of Pains)

-He was captured and put to death.

-The natives continued to fight and won independence from Spain in 1821.

-Father of Mexican Independence

Mexican Flag:

An eagle is in center, standing on prickly pear cactus plant. In it's mouth is a snake.

According to legend:

Culture is the way people dress, what they eat, music they play, beliefs and customs.

November 20 - day Mexico celebrates revolution.

Jarabe tapatio - national dance of Mexico. (Mexican hat dance)quick hopping steps around a sombrero on the floor. "Sombrero" means "hat", not just a Mexican hat!

1861 - under President Benito Juárez, the French and Napoleon were defeated at Battle of Puebla - Cinco de Mayo (5th of May). Cinco de Mayo is not the date of Mexico's independence.