Unit 3 Day 3 - Mexico CHAPTER 10 SECTION 1

Aztecs & the Spanish Aztecs inhabited Mexico Quetzcoatl – god worshipped by Aztecs 1519: Hernando Cortes (Spanish Conquistador) lands in Mexico and conquers Aztecs by 1521 Abundant resources such as gold and silver Father Miguel Hidalgo led the Mexican Revolution in 1810 Made colony a great prize

From colony to country Achieved independence from Spain in 1821 Agustin de Iturbide helped Mexico gain independence, made himself emperor Mid 18oos: Benito Juarez led reform, became president Land was unequally distributed Large haciendas(estates or ranches) covered most of Mexico’s farmland Institutional Revolutionary Party (1929) controlled for 71 years Enrique Peña Nieto México, current President of Mexico Benito worked for separation of church and state, better educational opportunities, and a more even distribution of the land. ---Under Spanish rule, and even after Independence, land had been unequally distributed. A few rich landowners owned haciendas (estates or ranches) that covered most of Mexico’s farmland.

Mexican Painters Famous murals painted by Diego Rivera and Jose Orozco Frida Kahlo was an important Mexican painters Known for her self portraits Painting became public art in 1900s Famous murals painted by Diego Rivera and Jose Orozco Most of the important Mexican painters blended European and Native American influences. In the 20th century, Mexico’s tradition of painting took the form of public art.

Architecture Aztecs built temples/public buildings in the shape of pyramids Tenochtitlan (Aztec) was filled with palaces & temples Demolished by the Spanish Spanish built large cathedrals and missions Mexico City built by the Spanish where Tenochtitlan was Human sacrifices were preformed in Tenochtitlan. ---In spite of Spanish cultural diffusion, Mexico’s Indian heritage remains very strong. Mexico has a large mestizo population. ---Mestizo- people of mixed Spanish and Native American heritage.

Economy Very large population that is VERY young Oil industry is large Manufacturing is most important NAFTA: North American Free Trade Agreement Maquiladoras: Factories that assemble materials and ship the finished product Electronics, clothing and furniture NAFTA- a trade agreement between Canada, the United States, and Mexico that created a trilateral rules-based trade system in North America and Mexico.

Challenges in Mexico Drug cartels try to control illegal drug trade Increased trafficking = increased violence; affects tourism Many leave Mexico and come to the US High unemployment, cause of poor education attendance