Mexico
Early Mexico Mixed culture of ancestors Hunter-gathers, and farmers Main crops were beans, corn, peppers, and squash. Lived in complex civilizations i.e. Maya, Olmec, Toltec, and Zapotec. The last civilization was the Aztecs
Aztec Empire First city, and capital, Tenochtitlan (Mexico City). Military power. Aztec religion featured many gods. Believed that it took them 5 tries to create the world. Highly focused on keeping nature in balance Believed one false step could leave to disaster
The Colonial Period In 1519 Spanish adventures called, conquistadores, arrived. Formed military alliances with people who resented the Aztecs. They also brought with them new diseases, smallpox, which the American Indians had not yet developed an immune system for. This disease killed many of the Aztecs. Gold and silver mining along with farming were the major parts of the economy Lands they worked in common were called ejidos Large estates owned by wealthy families were called haciendas.
Religion Most in Mexico are Roman Catholic. Why? Today it is a mix or pre-Christian beliefs and Christian beliefs
Mexico Today Rapid and violent political change In1810, Mexicans began to revolt against Spanish Rule. Fight lasted until 1821, when Mexico finally won it’s independence. Little really changed after this Power was still help by a small segment of the population. This unequal economy lead to the Mexican Revolution in 1910 This fight lasted until Following this revolution a new government was set into place, slightly favored democracy. But actually wasn’t.
Mexico Today Government became more of a dictatorship. The President had absolute authority. Another change that came with the revolution was land reform. The large haciendas were split up to given to the peasants Wasn’t a very successful practice Land was often a bad piece or not a very good area to grow. Some could not afford to buy the items needed for the up keep of the land i.e. fertilizers, machines etc. Most got discouraged and left for cities. In 1992, ejido farmers won the right to sell their land.
Mexico Today Since the 90s Mexico has again opened their doors to foreign business In 1992 Mexico joined Canada and the United States in signing the North American Free Trade Agreement. This lowered trade barriers between the countries. Since this Mexico has expanded even more. Tourism is becoming more and more important.
Mexico Divided into 31 states and the capital district. Greater Mexico City Cultural, economic, and political center of Mexico. Holds ¼ of Mexico’s entire population. Generates much of the country’s GDP Home to the country’s largest university, museums, and theaters. Central Mexico Many of the cities here began as colonial mining or ranching areas. Fertile Valley’s
Gulf Lowlands and Southern Mexico Very sparsely settled. Mostly commercial farming there today. Rich deposits of oil and natural gas is the main source of the regions income/
Northern Mexico Large dry region Most prosperous, infrastructure is modern and new Draws migrant workers from all over Mexico