Mexico City, the capital of the United Mexican States, is a metropolis that encapsulates the history, culture, and political power of a vast and diverse nation. Its status as the capital is neither an accident nor a fluke, but rather the result of centuries of historical, cultural, and geographic evolution. With a population of over 9 million, it stands as one of the largest and most dynamic cities in the world.
The history of Mexico City dates back to 1325, when the Mexicas founded the city of Tenochtitlán on an island in Lake Texcoco. The Mexicas, a people who settled in the Basin of Mexico, chose this location after receiving a divine sign: an eagle perched on a cactus devouring a snake. This place would become the capital of the Aztec Empire, a civilization that controlled much of central and southern Mexico.
Tenochtitlán was one of the largest and most advanced cities of its time, with an estimated population of 200,000. It was surrounded by canals and causeways, and boasted a sophisticated infrastructure, including monumental temples such as the Templo Mayor. Its central position and trade network made it the political, economic, and religious heart of the Aztec empire.
The Arrival of the Spanish and the Foundation of New Spain
In 1519, Hernán Cortés, a Spanish conquistador, arrived in Tenochtitlán and was welcomed by the Aztec emperor Moctezuma II. However, what began as a diplomatic relationship soon turned into a war that culminated in the fall of Tenochtitlán in 1521. The Spanish, impressed by the strategic location and grandeur of the city, decided to build the new capital of their colony on the continent on its ruins: New Spain.
In 1524, Mexico City was officially founded on the remains of Tenochtitlán, and since then, it has been the center of political and economic power in the country. During the three centuries of the viceroyalty, Mexico City was consolidated as one of the most important cities of the Spanish Empire in America, with an economy based on the exploitation of mineral and agricultural resources, and a society marked by deep racial and class differences.
Independence and the Confirmation of Mexico City as Capital
In 1810, Mexico began its fight for independence under the leadership of figures such as Miguel Hidalgo and José María Morelos. After a decade of conflict, in 1821, the country achieved independence from Spain. Mexico City was once again ratified as the capital of the newly founded Mexican Empire, under the leadership of Emperor Agustín de Iturbide. Over time, the nation would adopt a republican structure, and the city would continue to be the epicenter of political power.
Mexico City, during the early years of the Republic, remained a political center in constant flux. Despite numerous internal revolts and conflicts, such as the war between liberals and conservatives, and the American invasion of 1847, the city remained the seat of government. Its position as capital was further consolidated during the rule of Benito Juárez and the liberal reforms of the mid-19th century.
Modernization under Porfirio Díaz
In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, during the dictatorship of Porfirio Díaz, Mexico City underwent an unprecedented process of modernization. Díaz promoted the construction of large infrastructure projects, such as the Palacio de Bellas Artes, the creation of the electric tram system, and the expansion of the railway network, which connected the capital with the rest of the country.
The city's demographic and economic growth during this period was remarkable, turning it into an industrial and commercial center. However, this development was also accompanied by deep social inequalities, which eventually contributed to the outbreak of the Mexican Revolution in 1910. Despite the political instability of the revolutionary era, Mexico City maintained its status as the capital.
The 20th Century: Mexico City as a Global Center
Following the Mexican Revolution, Mexico City continued its accelerated growth. During the 1940s and 1950s, the city experienced an urban and industrial boom, attracting migrants from all over the country in search of better economic opportunities. The territorial expansion of the city was such that it began to extend beyond the boundaries of the former Lake Texcoco, becoming a megacity.
In 1968, the city hosted the Olympic Games, which launched it onto the international stage as a modern, global metropolis. Throughout the second half of the 20th century, the city continued to grow in all aspects: population, economic and cultural. Its public transportation network, including the Collective Transportation System (Metro), expanded, and the city established itself as Mexico's main financial center.
The Capital of Mexico in the 21st Century
Today, Mexico City remains the political, economic, and cultural capital of Mexico. Its government is organized as an autonomous entity, with a Head of Government that has responsibilities similar to those of a state. The city houses the nation's executive, legislative, and judicial branches, and remains the epicenter of the country's major political decisions.
Furthermore, Mexico City is one of the most important cultural capitals in Latin America. With more than 150 museums, theaters, art galleries and a vibrant cultural scene, the city is a magnet for artists, intellectuals, and tourists from all over the world. Neighborhoods such as Coyoacán, La Condesa and Polanco are famous for their cultural and artistic life, and the city has become a center of innovation and artistic creation.
Why is Mexico City still the capital?
There are multiple reasons why Mexico City remains the capital of the country. First, its geographic location in the center of the country facilitates communications and political control over the different regions. In addition, the infrastructure developed over the centuries, including its transportation network and government institutions, makes it difficult to move the capital to another city.
Another key reason is its symbolic and historical value. Mexico City is not only an administrative center, but also the heart of Mexican identity. Its Aztec roots, its role in independence, and its history as the epicenter of the Mexican Revolution make it a city full of historical and cultural significance.
Mexico City, as the capital of Mexico, is a city with a rich and multifaceted history that has led it to be the center of political, economic and cultural power in the country. Its status as a capital is not only due to its strategic location, but also to its deep symbolism and its role in shaping the national identity. As one of the world's great megacities, Mexico City remains a vibrant, dynamic capital that is essential to the life of the nation.