Blending political and art history, this program charts the evolution of Mexican muralism through the masterpieces that decorate landmarks in and around Mexico City and in the U.S. After studying the artwork of the pre-Columbian era, the colonial period, and 19th-century artists, the focus shifts to the 20th century, in which social unrest and muralism flourished side by side. The works of Orozco, Rivera, and Sequeiros are examined in depth along...

In 1845, President John Tyler signed a Congressional resolution to annex Texas, and by 1846, 4,000 troops were on the Rio Grande. Shortly thereafter, President James Polk proposed that Mexico sell its northern half to the U.S. Hostilities commenced and the U.S. crossed the border to occupy Matamoras, U.S. warships landed troops at Veracruz, who fought their way overland to Mexico City. Santa Anna led a defending army, but the Mexicans were overwhelmed....