History of Mexico in Timeline

Mexico, officially the United Mexican States, is a North American country bordering the US to the north, and Guatemala and Belize to the southeast. It has extensive coastlines along the Pacific Ocean, Caribbean Sea, and Gulf of Mexico. Covering nearly two million square kilometers, Mexico is the 13th-largest country by land area and the 10th-most populous, exceeding 130 million people. Mexico City is its capital and largest city, representing one of the world's largest metropolitan areas. It is the northwesternmost country in Latin America and has the largest population of native Spanish speakers globally.

1900: Mexican Population in 1900

In 1900, the Mexican population was a little more than 13 million.

1910: Uprisings Against President Díaz

In 1910, scattered uprisings began against President Díaz following the fraudulent election.

1910: Mexican Revolution Begins

In 1910, the Mexican Revolution began after fraudulent elections, marking the start of a decade of civil war.

1910: Start of the Mexican Revolution

In 1910, the Mexican Revolution began, leading to the overthrow of Porfirio Díaz and significant social and political change.

1910: Establishment of the National Autonomous University of Mexico

In 1910, the National Autonomous University of Mexico was officially established.

May 1911: Díaz's Resignation

In May 1911, President Díaz resigned amidst the uprisings.

1911: End of Porfirio Díaz's Rule

In 1911, the 35-year rule of Porfirio Díaz ended, allowing Mexico to modernize rapidly.

1911: End of the Porfiriato

The Porfirian era (el Porfiriato) ended in 1911.

February 1913: Military Coup and Madero's Overthrow

In February 1913, a military coup d'état overthrew Madero's government, leading to his murder.

March 1913: Wilson Refuses to Recognize Huerta's Regime

In March 1913, President Wilson refused to recognize Huerta's regime and allowed arms sales to the Constitutionalists.

1914: Defeat of the Federal Army

In 1914, a coalition of anti-Huerta forces defeated the Federal Army, leaving only revolutionary forces.

1915: Defeat of Pancho Villa

In 1915, Pancho Villa was defeated by revolutionary forces and led an incursion raid into Columbus, New Mexico.

1916: Constitutional Convention

In 1916, the winners of the Mexican Revolution met to draft the Constitution of 1917.

February 1917: Ratification of the 1917 Constitution

In February 1917, the Constitution of 1917 was ratified, empowering the government and giving rights to labor.

1917: Enforcement of Anticlerical Articles

Calles strictly enforced anticlerical articles of the 1917 Constitution.

1917: German Telegram Incident

In 1917, Germany attempted to incite war between the U.S. and Mexico, but Mexico remained neutral.

1917: Adoption of the 1917 Constitution

In 1917, Mexico adopted a new constitution that introduced land reform and labor rights.

1917: Limits on the Catholic Church

The Constitution of 1917 put limits on the role of the Roman Catholic Church in Mexico.

1917: 1917 Constitution

The United Mexican States are a federation whose government is representative, democratic, and republican based on a presidential system according to the 1917 Constitution.

1919: Assassination of Emiliano Zapata

In 1919, President Carranza had peasant leader Emiliano Zapata assassinated.

1920: Overthrow of Carranza

In 1920, Obregón and other generals overthrew Carranza, who died fleeing Mexico City.

1920: Obregón Becomes President

In 1920, Álvaro Obregón became President of Mexico, initiating land reform and strengthening organized labor.

1920: End of the Mexican Revolution

The Mexican Revolution ended in 1920 after a decade of conflict, leading to the adoption of the 1917 Constitution.

1921: Population Loss after Revolution

The 1921 census reported a loss of about 1 million inhabitants due to the Mexican Revolution.

1924: Calles Becomes President

In 1924, Plutarco Elías Calles became President, provoking a conflict with the Catholic Church.

1925: La Raza Cósmica

José Vasconcelos defined Mexico and Latin America to be the melting pot of all races in La Raza Cósmica in 1925.

1928: Assassination of Obregón

In 1928, Obregón was assassinated by a Catholic activist, causing a political crisis.

1929: Founding of the Institutional Revolutionary Party

In 1929, Calles founded the Institutional Revolutionary Party to manage presidential succession.

1929: Founding of the PRI

In 1929, the Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI) was founded to unite factions of the Mexican Revolution.

1929: Integration of institutes into UNAM

Twelve institutes were integrated into UNAM from 1929 to 1973.

1934: Lázaro Cárdenas Becomes President

In 1934, Lázaro Cárdenas became President, expelling Calles and implementing economic and social reforms.

1934: End of the Maximato

In 1934, the Maximato ended during the presidency of Lázaro Cárdenas.

1936: Foundation of the National Polytechnic Institute

The National Polytechnic Institute was founded in 1936.

March 1938: Mexican Oil Expropriation

In March 1938, the Mexican oil expropriation nationalized the U.S. and Anglo-Dutch oil company, leading to the creation of Pemex.

1939: Founding of the PAN

In 1939, the National Action Party (PAN), a conservative party, was founded.

1940: Manuel Avila Camacho Becomes President

In 1940, Manuel Avila Camacho became President, improving relations with the U.S.

1940: Manuel Ávila Camacho Presidency Begins

In 1940, Manuel Ávila Camacho became president, improving relations between the U.S. and Mexico.

1943: María Candelaria film

María Candelaria was created in 1943 by Emilio Fernández.

1946: María Candelaria awarded a Palme d'Or

In 1946, María Candelaria was one of the first films awarded a Palme d'Or at the Cannes Film Festival.

1946: Start of the Mexican Miracle

In 1946, Miguel Alemán's election marked the start of the Mexican miracle.

1946: End of the Post-Revolutionary Period

In 1946, the first quarter-century of the post-revolutionary period ended.

1947: Luis Buñuel directed films

In 1947, Luis Buñuel realized in Mexico between 1947 and 1965 some of his masterpieces like Los Olvidados (1949) and Viridiana (1961).

1947: Discovery of Barbasco

In 1947, the tuber "Barbasco" (Dioscorea composita) was discovered, revolutionizing the production of synthetic hormones.

1949: Los Olvidados film

Los Olvidados was created in 1949 by Luis Buñuel.

1950: Population Boom Begins

Around 1950, Mexico's population growth rate increased dramatically.

1952: Ballet Folklórico de México Founded

In 1952, the Ballet Folklórico de México was founded. The Ballet Folklórico de México performs music and dance of the prehispanic period through the Mexican Revolution in regional attire in the Palacio de Bellas Artes.

1958: Government Radio Stations

In 1958, bilingual government radio stations broadcasting in Spanish and indigenous languages became a tool for indigenous education (1958–65).

1959: Creation of the Mexican Academy of Sciences

In 1959, the Mexican Academy of Sciences was created to coordinate scientific efforts between academics.

1961: Viridiana film

Viridiana was created in 1961 by Luis Buñuel.

1962: Establishment of DINA S.A.

Since 1962, the domestic car industry is represented by DINA S.A., which has built buses and trucks.

1965: Beginning of Mass Migration to the US

Between 1965 and 2015, more than 16 million Mexicans migrated to the United States.

1965: Luis Buñuel directed films

In 1947, Luis Buñuel realized in Mexico between 1947 and 1965 some of his masterpieces like Los Olvidados (1949) and Viridiana (1961).

1968: 1968 Summer Olympics

In 1968, Mexico City hosted the XIX Olympic Games, making it the first Latin American city to do so.

1968: Treaty of Tlatelolco

In 1968, Mexico abandoned the possibility of developing nuclear weapons by signing the Treaty of Tlatelolco.

1968: Tlatelolco Massacre

In 1968, the Tlatelolco Massacre occurred, killing hundreds of protesters during political unrest before the Summer Olympics.

1970: 1970 FIFA World Cup

Mexico hosted the 1970 FIFA World Cup.

1973: Integration of institutes into UNAM

Twelve institutes were integrated into UNAM from 1929 to 1973.

1978: Death of Carlos Chávez

Carlos Chávez, the most well-known Mexican composer of the twentieth century, died in 1978.

1979: Instituto Nacional Indigenista

In 1979, the Instituto Nacional Indigenista established a national network of bilingual radio stations.

1980: High Population Growth Rate

Around 1980, Mexico registered population growth rates of over 3%.

1980: Oil Exports

In 1980 oil exports accounted for 61.6% of total exports.

1980: Luis Barragán wins Pritzker Prize

Luis Barragán won the Pritzker Prize in 1980.

1982: Mexican Population Count

In 1982, Mexico's population was 70 million.

1986: 1986 FIFA World Cup

Mexico hosted the 1986 FIFA World Cup.

1987: Teotihuacan UNESCO World Heritage Site

In 1987, Teotihuacan was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

December 1988: Salinas took oath amidst protests

On December 1988, Carlos Salinas took the oath of office as president, following a disputed election marked by massive electoral fraud, which triggered massive protests in Mexico City.

1989: Founding of the PRD

In 1989, the Party of the Democratic Revolution (PRD), a left-wing party, was founded.

1990: Privatization of Telmex

In 1990, Telmex (Teléfonos de México), previously a government monopoly, was privatized.

1990: PRI Described as "Perfect Dictatorship"

In 1990, the PRI's rule was famously described by Mario Vargas Llosa as the "perfect dictatorship", although the party's hegemony was already facing major challenges.

1992: Constitutional Amendment for Indigenous Rights

In 1992, Article 2 of the Constitution of Mexico was amended to define Mexico as a pluricultural country and emphasize the role of indigenous Mexicans.

1992: Como agua para chocolate film

The Mexican film Como agua para chocolate was released in 1992.

January 1994: NAFTA Implemented and Zapatista Uprising

On January 1, 1994, the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) was implemented, and the Zapatista Army of National Liberation (EZLN) in Chiapas began an armed rebellion against the federal government.

1994: Mexico joined OECD

In 1994, Mexico joined the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).

1994: NAFTA and Zapatista Uprising

In 1994, Mexico signed the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) and experienced the Zapatista uprising.

1995: Mario J. Molina wins Nobel Prize

In 1995, the Mexican chemist Mario J. Molina shared the Nobel Prize in Chemistry for their work in atmospheric chemistry.

1996: San Andrés Accords

In 1996, the San Andrés Accords granted autonomy, recognition, and rights to the indigenous population of Mexico.

1999: Peak Economic Growth

By the end of 1999, major macroeconomic reforms had resulted in rapid economic recovery, with growth peaking at almost 7%.

1999: Sex, Shame, and Tears film

The Mexican film Sex, Shame, and Tears was released in 1999.

2000: Afro-Mexican Identity Study

According to a study in 2000, Afrodescendants in Mexico are more likely to describe themselves as moreno (brown) than Afro-Mexican.

2000: Oil Exports

By 2000 oil exports accounted for only 7.3% of total exports.

2000: PAN Wins Presidential Election

In 2000, after 71 years of rule, the PRI lost the presidential election to Vicente Fox of the National Action Party (PAN).

2000: Killings of journalists and media workers

Since 2000, more than 100 journalists and media workers have been killed or disappeared, with most of these crimes remaining unsolved.

2001: Slowdown of Mexico's economy

After the slowdown of 2001 the country recovered and grew 4.2, 3.0 and 4.8 percent in 2004, 2005 and 2006.

2001: Y tu mamá también film

The Mexican film Y tu mamá también was released in 2001.

2002: Deforestation Rate

In 2002, Mexico had the second fastest rate of deforestation in the world, only behind Brazil.

2002: Growth of Mexican electronics exports

The Mexican electronics exports grew 73% between 2002 and 2012.

2002: The Crime of Father Amaro film

The Mexican film The Crime of Father Amaro was released in 2002.

March 2003: Creation of the National Indigenous Languages Institute

In March 2003, the National Indigenous Languages Institute was created to promote and protect indigenous languages.

2003: Anti-Discrimination Laws

Since 2003, anti-discrimination laws regarding sexual orientation have existed in Mexico.

2004: Growth of Mexico's economy

After the slowdown of 2001 the country recovered and grew 4.2 percent in 2004.

2005: Growth of Mexico's economy

After the slowdown of 2001 the country recovered and grew 3.0 percent in 2005.

2005: Square meters of solar PV panels installed

In 2005 there were only 115,000 square meters of solar PV (photo-voltaic) panels installed in Mexico.

2005: Mexico presented Gastronomy candidature to UNESCO

In 2005, Mexico presented the candidature of its gastronomy for World Heritage Site of UNESCO.

2006: Poverty in Mexico

According to CONEVAL, from 2006 to 2010 the portion of Mexicans who live in poverty rose from 18%–19% to 46% (52 million people).

2006: Growth of Mexico's economy

After the slowdown of 2001 the country recovered and grew 4.8 percent in 2006.

2006: Telmex expands operations

By 2006, Telmex had expanded its operations to Colombia, Peru, Chile, Argentina, Brazil, Uruguay, and the United States.

2006: Contested Presidential Election

In 2006, Felipe Calderón from the PAN was declared the winner of the presidential election by a narrow margin, leading to contestation and pledges of an "alternative government" by Andrés Manuel López Obrador.

2006: Trade with the United States and Canada

In 2006, trade with the United States and Canada accounted for almost 50% of Mexico's exports and 45% of its imports.

2006: Start of the Drug Trafficking Conflict

Since 2006, Mexico has been facing an ongoing conflict between drug trafficking syndicates, resulting in over 127,000 deaths.

2006: Start of Mexico's drug war

Since 2006, Mexico's drug war has been ongoing, resulting in over 120,000 deaths and approximately 37,000 missing persons.

2007: Goldman Sachs report on Mexico's economy

According to a Goldman Sachs report published in 2007, by 2050 Mexico will have the 5th largest economy in the world.

2007: Increase in Missing Persons

Since 2007, when President Calderón attempted to stop drug cartels, the number of missing persons has significantly increased.

2008: UN report on income disparity

According to a 2008 UN report the average income in a typical urbanized area of Mexico was $26,654, while the average income in rural areas just miles away was only $8,403.

2008: Great Recession dip in remittances

After dipping during the 2008 Great Recession and again during COVID-19 pandemic in 2021 they are topping other sources of foreign income.

2008: UN Contribution

In 2008, Mexico contributed over 40 million dollars to the United Nations regular budget.

August 2010: Mexico becomes 9th largest holder of US debt

In August 2010, Mexico surpassed France to become the 9th largest holder of US debt.

November 2010: Mexican gastronomy recognized as Intangible cultural heritage by UNESCO

In November 2010 Mexican gastronomy was recognized as Intangible cultural heritage by UNESCO.

2010: CONEVAL poverty report

According to CONEVAL, from 2006 to 2010 (the year on which the CONEVAL published its first nationwide report of poverty) the portion of Mexicans who live in poverty rose from 18%–19% to 46% (52 million people).

2010: Foreigners Settled in Mexico

As of 2010, an estimated 1 million foreigners settled in Mexico.

2010: Chile joined OECD

In 2010, Chile gained full membership in the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development

2011: Electronics exports to the United States

In 2011, Mexico was the second-largest exporter of electronics to the United States, exporting $71.4 billion worth of electronics.

2012: PRI Wins Presidency Again

In the 2012 presidential election, the PRI regained the presidency with the election of Enrique Peña Nieto, although he won with a plurality and without a legislative majority.

2012: Growth of Mexican electronics exports

The Mexican electronics exports grew 73% between 2002 and 2012.

2013: Telecommunications Industry Reform

In 2013, there was a major reform of the telecommunications industry in Mexico, leading to the creation of new broadcast television channels.

September 2014: Mass kidnapping of 43 students in Iguala

In September 2014, the mass kidnapping of 43 students in Iguala triggered nationwide protests against the government's weak response to the disappearances and widespread corruption.

2015: End of the documented Mass Migration Period

Between 1965 and 2015, more than 16 million Mexicans migrated to the United States.

September 2016: Kia opens factory in Nuevo León

In September 2016, Kia opened a $1 billion factory in Nuevo León, with Audi also opening an assembling plant in Puebla the same year.

2016: Mexico City achieves greater political autonomy

In 2016, Mexico City dropped the Federal District designation and is in the process of achieving greater political autonomy by becoming a federal entity with its constitution and congress.

2017: Mexico's tourism ranking

As of 2017, Mexico was the 6th most visited country in the world and had the 15th highest income from tourism in the world which is also the highest in Latin America.

2017: Mexican Population Count

In 2017, Mexico's population was 123.5 million.

December 2018: Completion of SEGH-CFE 1 project

In December 2018, the project SEGH-CFE 1 located in Puerto Libertad, Sonora in the Northwest of Mexico was completed and has a capacity of 46.8 MW.

2018: CONEVAL poverty decrease

According to CONEVAL, within the period between 2018 and 2022, a 5.6% decrease, from 41.9% to 36.3% in the poverty rate was registered.

2018: AMLO Wins Presidential Election

In 2018, Andrés Manuel López Obrador (AMLO) won the presidential election with over 50% of the vote, leading a coalition that also won a majority in both Congress chambers.

2018: Land use

In 2018, it was estimated that 54.9% of land in Mexico is agricultural, 11.8% is arable, 1.4% is in permanent crops, 41.7% is permanent pasture, and 33.3% is forest.

2018: Daily minimum wage

The minimum wage was set at 88.15 pesos in 2018.

April 2019: Daniela Soto-Innes named best female chef

In April 2019, Daniela Soto-Innes was named the best female chef in the world by The World's Best 50 Restaurants.

2019: OECD poverty line

According to the OECD's own poverty line 20% of Mexico's population lived in a situation of poverty in 2019.

2019: Mexicans Living Outside Mexico

As of 2019, it is estimated that 11.7 million Mexicans live outside Mexico.

2019: Forest Landscape Integrity Index

In 2019, Mexico had a Forest Landscape Integrity Index mean score of 6.82/10, ranking it 63rd globally out of 172 countries.

2019: Dissolution of Federal Police

In 2019, the Mexican Federal Police was dissolved and replaced by the National Guard.

2019: National Guard Formation

In 2019, the National Guard was formed from the disbanded Federal Police and military police of the Army and Navy.

2019: Opening of Villanueva solar park

In 2019, the Villanueva solar park in Coahuila opened, is the largest solar power plant in the Americas with a capacity of 828 MW.

February 2020: First Confirmed COVID-19 Case

On February 28, 2020, the first confirmed case of COVID-19 in Mexico was reported.

December 2020: Start of COVID-19 Vaccination

In December 2020, COVID-19 vaccination efforts began in Mexico.

2020: Crime Statistics

A 2020 report by the BBC gave statistics on crime in Mexico, with 10.7 million households with at least one victim of crime.

2020: Indigenous Population Census

According to Mexico's 2020 census, 6.1% of Mexico's population speaks an Indigenous language and 19.4% of the population identifies as indigenous.

2020: Afro-Mexican Population

According to the 2020 census, Afro-Mexicans comprised 2% of Mexico's population.

2020: Asian and Middle Eastern Population Census

According to the 2020 census, Asians and Middle Easterners each represent about 1% of the population.

2020: Religious Minorities Census

According to the 2020 census, there are 58,876 Jews in Mexico.

2020: Foreigners Settled in Mexico

As of 2020, an estimated 1.2 million foreigners settled in Mexico.

2020: Literacy Rate

As of 2020, the literacy rate in Mexico is 95.25%.

2020: Arrest of Ex-CEO of Pemex

In 2020, amidst a push against government corruption, the ex-CEO of Pemex, Emilio Lozoya Austin, was arrested.

2020: Life Expectancy Increase

In 2020, life expectancy in Mexico increased to 75 years.

2020: Metropolitan Areas in Mexico

In 2020, there were 48 metropolitan areas in Mexico, housing close to 53% of the country's population.

2020: Religious Demographics

The 2020 census indicated that 77.8% of the population identifies as Roman Catholic.

2021: COVID-19 pandemic dip in remittances

After dipping during the 2008 Great Recession and again during COVID-19 pandemic in 2021 they are topping other sources of foreign income.

2021: New Immigrants in Mexico

In 2021, Mexico officially received 68,000 new immigrants.

May 2022: Missing Persons

As of May 2022, 100,000 people are officially listed as missing in Mexico.

2022: CONEVAL poverty decrease

According to CONEVAL, within the period between 2018 and 2022, a 5.6% decrease, from 41.9% to 36.3% in the poverty rate was registered.

2022: Estimated population of Mexico

According to Mexico's National Geography and Statistics Institute, the country's estimated population in 2022 was of 129,150,971 people.

2022: Mexico as a Major Tourist Destination

As of 2022, Mexico became the sixth most-visited country in the world, attracting 42.2 million international arrivals.

2022: National Guard Personnel

As of 2022, the National Guard numbered 110,000 personnel.

2022: Environmental Protection Laws

In the 2022 report it was noted that environmental protection laws have improved in major cities but remain unenforced or unregulated in rural regions.

2022: Newest refinery built in Mexico

Mexico owns 7 oil refineries on its territory, with the newest one being built in 2022.

2023: Military expenditures

As of 2023, Military expenditures are a small fraction of GDP, at around 0.6%.

2023: Decrease in poverty rate in Mexico

CONEVAL reported in 2023 that the country's poverty rate has been decreasing in recent years.

2023: Elena Reygadas named best chef

In 2023, Elena Reygadas was named the best female chef.

2023: Mexico's Gross National Income

In 2023, The World Bank reported that Mexico's gross national income in market exchange rates was the second highest in Latin America after Brazil at US$1,744,711.4 million.