1. 2007 More than 500,000 people are left homeless after heavy rains cause flooding in the southern state of Tabasco.
2. On April 10, 1919, rebel leader Emiliano Zapata was set up, betrayed and assassinated in Chinameca. Zapata had been the moral conscience of the Mexican Revolution, fighting for land and freedom for the poorest Mexicans.
3. 1836: Republic of Texas- Texas becomes part of the US.
4. 1846-48: Mexican-American War. US wins the war. States are added to the US.
5. 1882-1910: Railroads. US railroads recruit Mexican workers.
6. After the Mayans, the Aztecs built a large empire through conquest.
7. Mining and agriculture became important industries.
8. On January 17, 1811, a rebellious army of peasants and workers led by Father Miguel Hidalgo and Ignacio Allende fought a smaller but better equipped and trained Spanish force at Calderon Bridge, outside of Guadalajara. The stunning rebel defeat helped drag out Mexico's War of Independence for years and led to the capture and execution of Allende and Hidalgo
9. On March 9, 1916, legendary Mexican bandit and warlord Pancho Villa led his army across the border and attacked the town of Columbus, New Mexico, hoping to secure money and weapons. Although the raid was a failure and led to an extensive US-led manhunt for Villa, it greatly increased his reputation in Mexico.
10. 1836: Texas declares its independence from Mexico. Mexicans and Texans battle at the Alamo and San Jacinto.
11. A Mexican tamale called the zacahuil is three feet long and weighs about 150 pound
12. AD 250-900: The Mayans. Developed a calendar, worshiped gods, and built stone temples. Suddenly collapsed after 900 BC.
13. 1500 BC, The Olmec. Lived on the Southern Coast of the Gulf of Mexico. Built temples and giant statues.
14. 1994: NAFTA. US, Mexico, and Canada sign the North American Free Trade Agreement. It made US companies move jobs to Mexico where it is cheaper.
15. 1821: Mexico gained Independence from Spain.
16. 2000's -2006: illegal immigration and drug wars. Illegal immigration becomes a major issue in 2001. In 2006 a war is launched against drug cartels.
17. 2013: Mexico is thriving, middle class is growing, but drug violence remains a problem.
18. In Colonial Mexico church outposts known as missions taught the Indians Spanish and worked to convert them to Catholicism.
