Section 2: History and Culture

Chapter 6: Mexico

Section 2: History and Culture

Empire –a land with different territories & peoples under a single ruler.

Colonial Mexico & Independence

· 1519: Hernan Cortes arrived in Mexico

· 1521:Cortes claimed Mexico for Spain

Mestizos: people of mixed European and Indian ancestry.

Mulattoes—people of mixed European and African ancestry.

Missions: church outposts.

Haciendas: huge expanses of farm or ranch land granted by the Spanish monarch to favored people of Spanish ancestry.

Spanish Influence

· Language—most Mexicans speak Spanish because of Spanish influence during colonial times

· Religion—90% of Mexicans are Roman Catholic

American Indian Influence

· Still speak American Indian languages

· Language tied to ethnic group

Day of the Dead—holiday to remember and honor dead ancestors

· November 1-2

· Gather in graveyards

· Decorate graves

· Set out food and drinks