Map of Land Affected by the Treaty
Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo was signed in 1848, ending the war between Mexico and the United States. In return for fifteen million dollars from the United States, Mexico gave up the land that became California, Nevada, Utah, and parts of Arizona, Wyoming, Colorado, Kansas, Oklahoma, and New Mexico. Texas also became part of the United States.
Alamo
Battle of the Alamo started in 1836 and ended March 6, 1836. The causes of the battle was quite complex: Americans fighting in a mission in an area that was Mexico but is now Texas. Children can read more at: Battle of the Alamo.
Alamo
Alamo fell to Mexico in 1836. The Texas mission-turned-fort had been under siege since February 23, 1836. The last of the soldiers died, and General Santa Anna was victorious for a short time. Children might want to read Sherry Garland’s A Line in the Sand: The Alamo Diary of Lucinda Lawrence. They could also check an excellent website at: Alamo.
Battle of San Jacinto occurred in 1836 in Texas. General Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna and his 1,200 soldiers attacked General Sam Houston and his 910 men. The Texans retreated but then caught the Mexicans in surprise. In less than one half hour, the Texans won. As a result of this battle, Texas won its independence from Mexico. Children could read Journey to San Jacinto (Mr. Barrington’s Mysterious Trunk) by Melodie A. Cuate. Children could also learn more at: San Jacinto.
Cinco de Mayo is celebrated in Mexico and the United States. The Battle of Puebla took place in 1862. General Ignacio Zaragoza led his Mexican army, outnumbered three to one, against Napoleon III’s French forces. Zaragoza won. Speeches, festivals, and parades are held nationwide. Young children could read Cinco de Mayo by Mary Dodson Wade. Idea: Children could have a Cinco de Mayo celebration. A piñata should be included.
Aztec Calendar Stone
Spanish conquered Aztecs in 1521. The city of Tenochtitlan fell to Hernan Cortez and his allies. Cortez had arrived on the shores several months before. Montezuma, leader of the Aztecs, felt Cortez might be one of their gods, Quetzalcoatl. Montezuma made the Spanish feel welcome, but ultimately the conquistadors turned on the Aztecs. Children can read some great background information at: Aztecs.
Flag of Mexico
Mexico celebrates Independence Day. It declared its freedom from Spain in 1810. Mexico, a bit smaller than three times the size of Texas, is home to 116.2 million people. Bordering the Pacific Ocean, the Gulf of Mexico, and the Caribbean Sea, the country experiences earthquakes and hurricanes. Mexico City is the capital. Children could learn more at: Mexico.
Padre Island National Seashore
Padre Island National Seashore was established in 1962. Located along the Gulf of Mexico, the national seashore is the longest unprotected barrier island in the world. Five species of sea turtles (Kemp’s ridleys, loggerheads, leatherbacks, hawksbills, and greens) nest on the island. More than 380 species of birds live on the island or migrate through the area. Children can learn more at: Padre Island.
Day of the Dead Sculptures for the Ofrendas
Day of the Dead (Dia de Muertos) is celebrated today and tomorrow in Mexico and other parts of the world. The day celebrates all those who have died. Families and friends bring flowers to grave sites. They prepare festive meals and remember their loved ones by creating ofrendas, alters of offerings to their departed. Children can learn more at a fascinating site: Day of the Dead.
All-Female referee crew officiated for the first time in a men’s FIFA World Cup 2022 Game. Stéphanie Frappert of France was the center referee. Her assistants were Neuza Back of Brazil and Karen Diaz of Mexico. Germany beat Costa Rica in the second round game in Qatar.