Before European arrival, the land that is now Mexico was inhabited and controlled by various indigenous peoples, with the powerful Aztec Empire holding dominant sway over a significant portion of the region prior to the Spanish conquest.
The concept of "ownership" in the modern sense did not precisely exist among pre-Columbian societies; instead, control was exerted through tribute systems, alliances, and military power by dominant city-states or empires.
Historical Evolution of Control
The territory known today as Mexico has seen several major shifts in dominion:
1. Indigenous Dominance (Pre-1521)
For millennia, various sophisticated indigenous civilizations flourished across Mesoamerica. By the time Europeans arrived in the early 16th century, the Aztec Empire (also known as the Triple Alliance of Tenochtitlan, Texcoco, and Tlacopan) was the prevailing power. Their dominion, centered in their capital, Tenochtitlan (modern-day Mexico City), extended across central Mexico, exacting tribute and influence over a vast network of subject states and peoples.
2. Spanish Colonial Rule (1521–1821)
The Spanish conquest of the Aztec Empire, led by Hernán Cortés, marked a dramatic turning point. Following the fall of Tenochtitlan in 1521, Spain established the viceroyalty of New Spain. This vast colonial territory covered not only what is modern Mexico but also parts of the southwestern United States, Central America, and the Caribbean, with its capital in the former Aztec stronghold of Tenochtitlan. Spanish rule lasted for three centuries, fundamentally transforming the land, culture, and society.
3. Independent Mexico (1821–Present)
The early 19th century witnessed growing calls for independence from Spanish rule. The Mexican War of Independence, which concluded in 1821, led to the formation of the First Mexican Empire, which soon transitioned into the Republic of Mexico. This period was characterized by significant political and socioeconomic upheaval as the new nation forged its identity and boundaries.
Key Periods of Control
Here’s a simplified timeline of the major powers that controlled the region now known as Mexico:
| Period | Dominant Entity | Characteristics |
|---|---|---|
| Pre-1521 | Indigenous Peoples (e.g., Olmec, Maya, Teotihuacan, Aztec Empire) | Diverse and complex civilizations, with the Aztec Empire being the dominant political and military force in Central Mexico just before European arrival. |
| 1521–1821 | Spanish Empire (as New Spain) | European colonial rule established after the conquest of the Aztecs, with Tenochtitlan becoming Mexico City and the capital of New Spain. |
| 1821–Present | Independent Mexico | Emergence as a sovereign nation following the War of Independence. Faced internal political struggles, territorial losses, and the formation of modern Mexican identity. |
Ultimately, the "original owners" are the diverse indigenous peoples who inhabited the land for thousands of years, with the Aztec Empire being the most prominent power directly preceding the arrival of the Spanish. The subsequent period saw Mexico transition from a Spanish colony to an independent nation.
