Castillo de Chapultepec

The Castillo de Chapultepec, located in the park of the same name - Chapultepec means grasshopper in the ancient Nahuatl language The Castillo was built on top of the hill once considered sacred by the Aztec. It served as a military academy, presidential and imperial palace, and since 1939 has been a museum. Originally built as a summer palace for the Spanish Viceroy its sweeping view of the city below, and cool breezes made it very desirable.

Napoleon Bonaparte in Mexico?

Later, during the brief Second Mexican Empire (1864-67) it became the extravagant residence of Maximilian and his consort. During that time Spain entered an alliance with the French to keep the burgeoning United States at bay and Napoleon III hoped to expand influence into South America. The invading French army managed to only gain control of the central part of Mexico, while the Mexican Nationalists led by Benito Juarez fought to maintain their ground. Many factions of local indigenous groups and local peasants contributed to the French downfall. By 1867 the French pulled out of Mexico and Mexico began to establish its own Government under Juarez. Since 1882 most Mexican presidents resided here until it became the museum.

Incredible views of the city from the Castillo

The monuments to Los Ninos, six teenage boys who fought
bravely defending Mexico City from the United States. This
view looks down La Reforma, a famous street
with important monuments for Mexico's history

Porfirio Dias replaced Benito Juarez and essentially ruled as dictator until 1911. During his rule Mexico experienced huge economic development, mainly for the wealthy, bringing in foreign nationals from mainly Britain and the US, especially to exploit Mexico’s oil reserves. Meanwhile, Porfoirio’s rule did little for the indigenous and poorer population. 

In 1910 future president Madero declared revolt against the Diaz government. Well known Pancho Villa and Emiliano Zapata joined the revolution to promote land reform and rights for the peasants. In August 1914 the constitution was rewritten which included land, law, and labor reforms.