Chapter 8: Mexico Section 2 A Blend of Traditions

Plaza of Three Cultures The plaza in Mexico City contains the ruins of the an Aztec City, a Spanish colonial church, and modern government buildings. This one location demonstrates the extensive blending of cultures in Mexico.

Plaza of Three Cultures

People and Lifestyle The majority of Mexican people are descendents of mestizos. The official language is Spanish Most Mexicans are Roman Catholic

Urban Life Over ¾ of Mexico’s people live in urban areas.

Urban Life The wealthy generally live outside of the city in prosperous neighborhoods. The poor generally live near the city center many times in poor conditions.

Rural Life Most of Mexico’s rural population live in small houses, often only having one room and dirt floors.

Rural Life Rural areas have few healthcare services, roads, or schools. Many people move from rural areas to the city, but once there they become squatters.

Squatters People who settle on unoccupied land without having legal claim to it.

Mexican Art After the Mexican Revolution, Mexican art experienced a great awakening.

Mexican Art Artists created murals, or wall paintings, depicting scenes from Mexican history.

Celebrations Mexico’s Independence Day is September 16 and celebrates Mexico’s Independence from Spain.

Celebrations Cinco De Mayo is May 5 and celebrates the Mexican army defeat of the French in 1862.

Celebrations Day of the Dead is November 1 and 2 to honor family members who have died.

Pinatas Believed to have originated among the Aztecs, Mayans, and other native peoples of Mexico, who made clay pots in the shape of their gods.

Pinatas The pots were meant to be broken forcefully with poles and sticks, so the contents spilled to signify abundance or favors from the gods.

Pinatas Others believe they came from China to Italy. Then carried to Mexico by conquistadors.

Sports The number one sport in Mexico is soccer.

Sports Jai alai is a growing sport in Mexico. It is a ball game played in a three-walled court.

Jai alai

Chapter 8 Section 3 Creating a New Economy

Agricultural Exports Tomatoes are the number one vegetable export of Mexico. Most of them coming to the United States.

Mexico’s Economy Traditionally Mexico’s economy has depended on agriculture and mining.

Mexico’s Economy Since the 1940s Mexico has become more industrialized.

Mexico’s Economy Mexico is the world leader in silver mining Their most profitable industry is oil production.

Maquiladora Is a factory that assembles imported materials into a finished product that is then exported. Many of these factories have recently popped up near the U.S. border. Maytag

Maquiladora Mexico signing NAFTA in 1992 has aided in these new factories growing.

Mexico’s Challenges Mexico has two major challenges facing it: Pollution migration out of the country

Mexico’s Challenges Mexico’s rapid industrialization has greatly contributed to pollution. Cities such as Mexico City experience very bad air pollution.

Mexico’s Challenges Many Mexicans move to the U.S. in search of better economic activity. Many enter the U.S. illegally and risk dangerous border crossings.