2. CH 10 SEC 1 MEXICO

3. I. COLONIALISM AND INDEPENDENCE Before the Spanish came to the New World, several groups controlled the area that is Mexico. The Toltecs, the Maya, and the Aztecs were the largest groups, and the Aztec had the largest empire.

4. I. COLONIALISM AND INDEPENDENCE Hernando Cortes landed in 1519, and was able to quickly control and conquer the Aztecs; partly because of their weapons and disease, partly because Montezuma did not fight against him.

5. I. COLONIALISM AND INDEPENDENCE For the next 300 years the Spanish exploited the natural resources in Mexico, mostly gold and silver, and controlled the population with strict rules. Mexico then declared its independence from Spain in 1821, and later Benito Juarez will become president and try to make things fair for all Mexicans.

6. I. COLONIALISM AND INDEPENDENCE Even after Mexico became independent, the land was unequally divided. Wealthy land owners controlled large haciendas that the peasants had to work on. The peasants could not own land, or leave the hacienda they lived and worked on.

7. I. COLONIALISM AND INDEPENDENCE Porfirio Diaz will succeed Juarez, and his term was filled with corruption. He will be so bad that a revolution will rise up to drive him out. Francisco Madero, Pancho Villa, and Emilio Zapata will fight against Diaz, and eventually Diaz will leave and a new constitution written in 1917.

8. I. COLONIALISM AND INDEPENDENCE Then in 1929 the PRI became the ruling political party, and would stay in power until 2000. There still is corruption and problems in Mexico, but there are efforts to get rid of those people who are undermining democracy.

9. II. A MEETING OF CULTURES When the Spanish came to Mexico, the Aztecs had a large and powerful empire. They built large cities, but the Spanish destroyed those and built their own cities on top of them. The language and religion of the Spanish dominate Mexico to this day. But there is still a large influence from the native populations.

10. II. A MEETING OF CULTURES Mural paintings and other painters from Mexico blended European and native influences in their artwork. The Aztec architecture was very distinctive with pyramids and large public squares and plazas. The Spanish built missions and cathedrals that still stand today.

11. III. ECONOMICS There are still many struggles for Mexico today for its economy. There is still a large gap between the rich and the poor, and industrial development is far behind other countries. The country was mostly focused on farming until the mid 20 th century. Oil and manufacturing are increasing, and people are moving to cities to find jobs and opportunities.

12. III. ECONOMICS Mexico is a part of NAFTA that allows for free trade among the U.S., Mexico, and Canada. This has increased opportunities for Mexican industries to produce more goods, providing more jobs.

13. IV. MEXICAN LIFE TODAY Many Mexicans are leaving the country for a chance to find work and help their families. This also separates families for a certain amount of time. The surge of population has put a strain on the services provided to the people. Schools and jobs are hard to find, and can be limited for the poor.

14. IN YOUR NOTEBOOKS Research and draw a map of Mexico that shows where the three empires were located before Cortes conquered them. Full page, in color.