The National Museum of History in Mexico City has sprawling, brightly-painted murals that illustrate the complex history of México’s many battles and triumphs. These artists brought to life the incredible stories that resulted in México as we know it today.

The Mexican War of Independence (1810 - 1821). The successful conquest by the Spanish continued as they attempted to eliminate as much MesoAmerican culture as possible. Temples crumbled and many natives were forced to abandon their polytheistic beliefs and convert to Catholicism.

Naturally, this created frustration amongst the native population, who fought against one another for what little land remained. In 1810, Catholic priest Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla stood up for the oppressed native people and encouraged them to join forces against a common enemy - the Spanish. Hidalgo’s famous speech is know as Grito de Dolores. Sensing Hidalgo’s plan for rebellion, the Spanish quickly executed him. However, this didn’t stop the natives from trying to reclaim power and the land rightfully theirs.

The Mexican-American War (1846 - 1848). Though Texas is one of America’s fifty states today, it was once a part of México. So many Americans moved into the territory that they rebelled against México and Texas became an independent country. This power struggle over the land of Texas in 1835 soon sparked a major conflict between México and the United States. The Mexican-American War was fought over present-day Texas, California, and all of the land between.

Standing in the National History Museum of México is a fantastic place to learn about this particular war. A major battle between the two countries occurred on these grounds, called Chapultepec Hill. I looked over Mexico City and imagined 2,500 American troops rushing toward the Castle Chapultepec, which at that time was a military school manned by only 1,000 men. The Mexican cadets fought to defend their country, even though they knew the numbers were against them.

Today, a large memorial stands to represent the last six cadets who defended the castle. The last cadet, a teenager named Juan Escutia, wrapped himself in the Mexican flag and jumped in front of American forces. Juan’s heroic tale isn’t accepted by all historians today, but standing beside his statue, I wondered if I could defend my nation with such bravery.

With this one war, México lost half of its land and many lives. For them, it was a horrendous defeat.

México’s Revolution (1910 - 1920). Since the first explorers landed on México’s coast, the native peoples have had to struggle for their own land, power, and rights. Even after gaining independence from Spain and fighting for land, México was still far from having a stable government.

By the mid 19th century, México was supposed to have a democracy, but an army commander named Porfirio Diaz stepped in and pronounced himself President. During his long reign, most Mexicans saw very few improvements in their rights or quality of living. Writer and politician, Francisco Madero grew passionate about restoring a fair democracy and inspired leaders and citizens to revolt against Diaz in 1910.

I was surprised to find out that Madero’s victory against Diaz wasn’t the end of the Mexican Revolution; it was only the beginning. Madero was overthrown by his army general, who was then overthrown by two other men, who then each became enemies and fought for power. To me, this sounded like dogs fighting for the alpha position, not men working for fair politics. The population of México watched their leaders at war with one another for a decade until Alvaro Obregon became president in 1920.

Thankfully, México has had relative peace in their government since then.

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