Mexico: A Story of Courage and Conquest (Complete 4 VHS Set)
This basic four-volume introduction to Mexican history begins with the Toltec and Aztec empires and ends with NAFTA. Learn about the history of the Aztec capital, Tenochtitlan, where present-day Mexico City now stands. Observe Hernan Cortes's conquest of Mexico for Spain and the poverty and harsh conditions in colonial New Spain that led to a priest, Miguel Hidalgo, raising a barefoot army against the king in the 1800s. The series reviews the tumultuous history of Mexico's missions in Texas, particularly the Alamo, and studies the  compelling leaders Benito Juarez, Santa Anna, Porfirio Diaz, Pancho Villa, Emiliano Zapata, and Francisco Modero. This History Channel production also discusses Mexico's "Pastry War" with France, the Mexican-American War, the Mexican Revolution,Cinco de Mayo, and the PRI. Too cursory for viewers already familiar with the basics, this series may also frustrate novice viewers with its lack of maps and visual aids. While somewhat scant on detail and depth, this video will nonetheless be educational for viewers seeking a good general overview of Mexico's history.--Tara Chace