XIII 
MEXICO 
Prior to the invasion of Mexico by the 
Spaniards, the Aztecs who inhabited the coun 
try, had developed a wonderful system of re 
ligion, education, civilization and govern 
ment. Hernando Cortes landed April 12, 
1519, at about where Vera Cruz is now lo 
cated, marched inland, and with the aid of 
friendly Indians succeeded in finally conquer 
ing the inhabitants, burning their cities, de 
stroying their libraries and killing their em 
perors, in reward for his service being made 
Governor of New Spain as the Spaniards 
called this land in 1522. The Spanish pos 
sessions in Mexico and Central America were 
united for the purposes of government, and a 
viceroy appointed first in 1535, this method for 
the control of these colonies being used until 
1821. Spanish rule in Mexico, as with all of 
156