Mexico: Its History, People, and Government

Students who can't tell a Mayan from an Aztec will benefit from this informative program that combines colorful footage, graphics, maps, and an articulate script, to present an overview of the history and culture of our Southern neighbor. Tracing the history of Mexico from its ancient indigenous roots to the arrival of the colony-hungry Spaniards, the program also charts subsequent revolutions over the centuries (and covers heroes such as Pancho Villa) up to the election of current president Vicente Fox. In addition to history, the program also explores the structure of Mexico's government and examines its culture, with an emphasis on the blending of peoples within Mexico--in fact, the majority of her people are actually “mestizos,” or people of mixed Indian and Spanish heritage. Packaged with an accompanying curriculum featuring vocabulary and basic geography, this solid introduction is recommended. Aud: I, J. (E. Gieschen)