MEXICO http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vlaa6tfimMk

WAR AND REFORM Mexico gained independence from Spain. Served as a General for Mexican Independence and then became first president of Mexico. As a president he was unable to set up a SECURE government How did reform start? Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna

WAR AND REFORM What challenges did Mexico have in establishing a stable government after independence? While in control, Spain made many decisions for Mexico. Therefore, Mexico had no experience running a government and already had a weak economy. Invasion from foreign countries.

WAR AND REFORM THE PEOPLE OF TEXAS WANTED INDEPENDENCE FROM MEXICO. (Texas=Own Country) Texas was later annexed to the United States To add to and existing territory United States went to war with Mexico in 1846 because they could not agree on the southern boundary of Texas. THE U.S. WON AND GAINED LAND. Republic of Texas Annex THE MEXICAN WAR

WAR AND REFORM Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo What states did the United States gain? Cession In 1848 Mexico and United States signed the Guadalupe Hidalgo treaty Mexico’s surrendered territory in the north to the United States. (Now includes California, Nevada, Arizona, Utah, New Mexico and parts of Colorado and Wyoming.) Surrendered territory

WAR AND REFORM The Mexican war drained Mexico’s economy and left government in disorder. 2 major groups formed: Liberals and Conservatives. Conservative= rich &military leaders Liberals= poor, landless people Benito Juarez was a liberal leader who led a reform movement. The movement resulted in a new constitution! The new constitution guaranteed people Freedom of speech. What were the effects of the Mexican war? Benito Juarez

WAR AND REFORM What led to the Mexican Revolution? Mexican Revolution 1910 Results of the Revolution In 1876 General Porfirio Diaz became dictator after the death of President Benito Juarez. Diaz gave land, power or favors to anyone who supported him. The Rich were back on top! By 1910, 1% of landowners controlled 90% of the land in Mexico. Farmers wanted their own land, fair wages and better working conditions. Began when a wealthy rancher named Francisco Madero called for a REVOLUTION to defeat Diaz! Leaders rose up in parts of Mexico and tried to defeat Diaz’s army. The Constitution of 1917 The fighting among the various Mexican groups for control of the government continued turning the Revolution into a Civil War. By 1920, over 1 million Mexicans has been killed.

WAR AND REFORM Constitutions of 1917 Constitution of 1917 gave: The Constitution of 1917 was adopted during the revolution to meet the demands of Mexico’s various groups and regions. Still exists today! Redistributed millions of acres of farmland to the poor New workers rights Relationship of the government and the church

CULTURE Plaza of the Three Cultures Official Language Religion Displays the blend of different cultures The plaza contains the ruins of an Aztec city, a Spanish colonial church, and modern government buildings Spanish Most Mexicans are Roman Catholic, but some belong to other religions as well

Culture ¾ of Mexicans live in Urban Areas The cities’ neighborhoods are called colonias Poor conditions in rural areas cause people to move to the cities.(Push Factor) Wealthier people live away from the center of the cities. Poorer people live closer to center city in neighborhoods that have unpaved streets and no running water. People in Mexico’s rural areas live in villages or on farms, near their fields

CULTURE Day of the Dead is celebrated on November 1st & 2nd.It is a day to honor family members that have died. Cinco de Mayo is the day the Mexican army defeated the French in 1862. Futbol (soccer) is the most popular sport. Mexicans also enjoy baseball and bullfighting. Jai alai is a sport growing in popularity.

ECONOMY How is Mexico creating a stable government? Industry improving Old vs. New Vicente Fox’s election as president in 2000 changed Mexico from a one-party system to a multi-party democracy. Mexico is working to improve the quality of life for its people by modernizing its industry and economy. Old economy= agriculture & mining New economy= industry in silver, oil production Partido Acción Nacional

ECONOMY Mexico is currently trying to modernize their economy by working together with other North American countries Agreement that reduced trade barriers among Mexico, Canada, and the United States Factory in which materials are imported and assembled into products for export What is happening now in Mexico? North American Free Trade Agreement-NAFTA maquiladora

NAFTA ROUTES

CHALLENGES MEXICO FACES Two Major Problems Lack of Jobs: Pollution: Lack of Jobs Pollution People moving from rural area to urban in search of jobs, forces poor living conditions Many Mexicans move to the U.S for job opportunities Many Mexicans work long hours for low pay in the U.S to send money back to families in Mexico layer of smog that hangs over Mexico City