As the world watches with bated breath, President Donald Trump continues to make threats against Mexico, a country that has long been a target of foreign intervention. This is not a new phenomenon, as Mexico’s history is riddled with devastating instances of outside interference. In episode 9 of Under the Shadow, Season 2, we take a look back at this history and the impact it has had on the country.

Mexico’s story begins long before the arrival of the Spanish conquistadors. The indigenous people of Mexico had a rich and complex culture, with advanced civilizations such as the Aztecs, Mayans, and Olmecs. However, in 1519, the arrival of the Spanish changed everything. Led by Hernán Cortés, the Spanish conquistadors brutally conquered and colonized Mexico, leading to the death of millions of indigenous people and the destruction of their way of life.

For the next three centuries, Mexico remained under Spanish rule, with the indigenous population exploited and marginalized. It wasn’t until the early 1800s that Mexico gained its independence, but the country’s troubles were far from over. The 19th century was marked by constant political upheaval and foreign intervention, particularly from the United States. In 1846, the U.S. declared war on Mexico, claiming that Mexico had attacked American troops. This sparked the Mexican-American War, which ended in 1848 with Mexico being forced to cede over half of its territory to the U.S.

The 20th century brought its own set of challenges for Mexico, with foreign intervention continuing to plague the country. In 1914, the U.S. supported a coup against the Mexican government, leading to a decade-long civil war known as the Mexican Revolution. During this time, the U.S. also occupied the Mexican port of Veracruz, further exacerbating tensions between the two countries.

In the 20th century, Mexico also faced interference from European powers. In 1917, German submarines sunk several Mexican ships, leading Mexico to declare war on Germany and enter World War I. However, this was not a decision made out of loyalty to the Allied powers, but rather as a strategic move to reclaim lost territory from the U.S. In the end, Mexico’s involvement in the war was minimal, but it further strained relations with the U.S.

The 20th century also saw the rise of the Cold War, and Mexico once again found itself caught in the middle of foreign powers’ agendas. In the 1950s and 1960s, the U.S. feared the spread of communism in Latin America and implemented the controversial policy of “Manifest Destiny,” which aimed to protect U.S. interests in the region. This led to the U.S. supporting authoritarian regimes in countries like Mexico, leading to human rights abuses and political repression.

In the 1980s, Mexico faced a debt crisis, and the U.S. once again intervened, this time through economic policies and trade agreements that heavily favored American interests. This not only deepened Mexico’s economic struggles but also contributed to the rise of drug cartels and organized crime in the country.

Fast forward to present day, and we see Trump’s threats against Mexico as just the latest episode in a long history of foreign intervention. Trump’s proposed border wall, his calls for Mexico to pay for it, and his attempts to renegotiate NAFTA all serve as reminders of the power imbalance between the two countries.

It is clear that foreign intervention has had a devastating impact on Mexico, leaving scars that are still felt today. But despite these challenges, Mexico has shown resilience and determination to overcome them. The country has a rich culture and history, and its people have a strong sense of unity and pride. Despite being repeatedly victimized by outside forces, Mexico remains a vibrant and diverse nation, with a bright future ahead.

As we reflect on Mexico’s history, it is important to recognize the harm caused by foreign intervention and to stand in solidarity with our Mexican neighbors. It is also crucial to remember that Mexico is not defined by these instances of interference but by its people, their resilience, and their unwavering spirit.

In the words of Mexican poet Octavio Paz, “Mexico is a mosaic of shattered mirrors, where each fragment reflects a piece of our history, our culture, and our identity.” Let us all strive to see beyond the shattered pieces and appreciate the beauty and strength of Mexico and its people. Let