This resource book braids together the cultural, political and economic realities which together shape Mexican history. The guiding question for the book is that of: "What do we need to know about Mexico's past in order to understand its present and future?" To address the question, the interdisciplinary resource book addresses key themes including: (1) land and resources; (2) borders and boundaries; (3) migration; (4) basic needs and economic issues; (5) social organization and political participation; (6) popular culture and belief systems; and (7) perspective. The book is divided into five units with lessons for each unit. Units are: (1) "Mexico: Its Place in The Americas"; (2) "Pre-contact to the Spanish Invasion of 1521"; (3) "Colonialism to Independence 1521-1810"; (4)"Mexican/American War to the Revolution: 1810-1920"; and (5) "Revolutionary Mexico through the Present Day." Numerous handouts are included with a number of primary and secondary source materials from books and periodicals. A map of Mexico, a chronology, and a glossary are included in the appendices. (EH)