A look at the ancient city of Teotihuacan, home of magnificent pyramids and the Temple of the Feathered Spirit.                                        

Part 1, of a 4-part series on our southern neighbor, begins with the first humans' entry into Mexico roughly 20,000 years ago, and a look at Toltec and Mayan civilizations. Then, focusing on the interaction between the Aztecs and the Spanish led by Hernan Cortes, we witness the destruction of this great pre-Columbian civilization.

Focusing on Mexican society's growth in the colonial era, we review the struggle for freedom from the Spanish. In 1810, priest Miguel Hidalgo began the fight, culminating in 1821 when Agustin de Iturbide became the first emperor.

In the Mexican American War, 1846-1848, Santa Anna faced his aggressive northern neighbor once again, losing half of Mexico's territory. In the 1860s, French Emperor Napoleon III installed his puppet emperor, Maximilian III, of the house of Habsburg.

After Juarez's death, Porfirio Diaz became dictator, ruling for 35 years. Though he modernized Mexico and lured foreign capital, his regime's corruption led to revolt in 1910.

Each May 5th, Cinco de Mayo celebrations are held in cities throughout the United States. But few people know the holiday's significance. It's a story that began on a sweltering morning, May 5, 1862.

Explores the defining event that shaped the destiny of America's southern neighbor. The first great revolution of the 20th century began as a revolt against a dictator and ended in civil war with action on both sides of the border.