1. Introduction
Chapter Introduction
This chapter will introduce you to Mexico. You will learn all about the region’s geography, history, and culture.
Section 1: Chapter Atlas
Section 2: History of Mexico
Section 3: Mexico Today

2. Carolina’s Story Where does Carolina live during the week?
myStory
Carolina’s Story
Where does Carolina live during the week?
How will high school graduation set Carolina apart from the rest of her family?
Watch the myStory Video and think about what you’ve learned about Carolina and her life in Mexico.

3. myStory
Carolina’s Story
What similarities and differences do you see between Carolina’s life and that of American students?
Watch the myStory Video and think about what you’ve learned about Carolina and her life in Mexico. Use the graphic organizer to collect your evidence explaining how Carolina’s life is similar to and different from that of an American high school student.

4. Carolina’s Story What kind of town is San Nicolas de Guadalupe?
myStory
Carolina’s Story
What kind of town is San Nicolas de Guadalupe?
Watch the myStory Video and think about what you’ve learned about Carolina and her life in Mexico. Use the graphic organizer to list words to describe San Nicolas de Guadalupe.

5. myStory
Carolina’s Story
Why does Carolina think it is important to speak Mazahua?
How does Carolina help out at home?
Watch the myStory Video and think about what you’ve learned about Carolina and her life in Mexico.

6. How much does geography shape a country?
Chapter Atlas
How much does geography shape a country?
Think about your experiences. Use the graphic organizer to make notes about how geography shapes a country. Use specific examples to explain your answer.

7. What have you done today that required oil,
Chapter Atlas
What have you done today that required oil,
gas, or electricity?
Have students think about oil and other natural resources that generate energy. Give students five minutes to write down everything they did so far today that required oil, gas, or electricity. If they know which form of energy they used for each task, ask them to write that down as well. Discuss how depletion of these resources would affect their lives.

8. Academic Vocabulary collapse - v. to crumble or fall
Chapter Atlas
Academic Vocabulary
collapse - v. to crumble or fall
The damaged building was about to collapse.
inadequate - adj. not sufficient or suitable
The food was inadequate for so many people.
Use the Academic Vocabulary or high-use words to review terms you may encounter in the section. If you are unfamiliar with the terms, read the definitions and practice by using them in sentences.

9. Key Ideas There are several landform regions in Mexico.
Chapter Atlas
Key Ideas
There are several landform regions in Mexico.
Mexico’s climate varies from arid to semiarid in most areas, which limits agriculture.
Petroleum, hydroelectric power, and mining are important parts of the Mexican economy.

10. Chapter Atlas
Key Terms
sinkhole - depression on the surface of the land caused by the collapse of a cave roof
altitude - height above sea level
Students should use the Word Wise feature in the Mexico chapter of their Student Journal to explore Key Terms.

11. Chapter Atlas
Key Terms
hydroelectric power - the power produced by water-driven turbines
irrigate - to supply water
Students should use the Word Wise feature in the Mexico chapter of their Student Journal to explore Key Terms.

12. What are some important places
Chapter Atlas
What are some important places
to know in Mexico?
Sierra Madre Occidental
Mexican Plateau
Yucatán Peninsula
Rio Grande
Visit the Active Atlas in the digital lesson for Mexico. Use the digital lesson to learn more about the physical geography of Mexico.

13. Mexico: Outline Map Chapter Atlas
Think back on the list of important places to know for Mexico. Label those places on the outline map.

14. How would you describe Mexico?
Chapter Atlas
How would you describe Mexico?
Based on what you’ve read and discussed in class, make a list of words to describe Mexico. Use the graphic organizer to collect the answers.

15. Mexico: Climate Baja California and Northern Mexico are very dry.
Chapter Atlas
Mexico: Climate
Baja California and Northern Mexico are very dry.
The southern part of Mexico receives more rain than the north.
Higher elevations have cooler temperatures.

16. Chapter Atlas
Mexican Farmland
Only about one-fifth of Mexico’s land is actually suitable for farming. Why?
Based on what you’ve read about Mexico’s climate, in your graphic organizer, list some reasons why only one-fifth of Mexico’s land is suitable for farming

17. Mexico: Land Resources
Chapter Atlas
Mexico: Land Resources
Mexico produces more silver than anywhere else in the world.
Mexico’s most important natural resource is petroleum.

18. Mexico: Land Resources
Chapter Atlas
Mexico: Land Resources
One-sixth of the nation’s electricity comes from hydroelectric power.
Baja California supports a large fishing industry.

19. Chapter Atlas
Environmental Impact
About three quarters of the people in Mexico now live in cities.
Pollution from the spread of industry and the growth of these cities is becoming a major problem.

20. What conditions are common in cities along Mexico’s northern border?
Chapter Atlas
What conditions are common in cities along Mexico’s northern border?
Use the Graphic Organizer to describe the living situation in cities along Mexico’s northern border.

21. How much does geography shape a country?
Chapter Atlas
How much does geography shape a country?
Think back on everything you learned in the section. Use the graphic organizer to make notes about how geography shapes a country. Use specific examples to explain your answer.

22. How has the past shaped the community
History
How has the past shaped the community
where you live?
Ask students how the past has helped to shape the community where they live. Provide prompts such as origin of settlers, traditional foods, religions, style of buildings, and local traditions.

23. History
Academic Vocabulary
convert - v. to cause someone to adopt a different religion Priests tried to convert the native people to Catholicism.
estate - n. a large piece of land or property
She lived on the largest estate in Italy.
Use the Academic Vocabulary or high-use words to review terms you may encounter in the section. If you are unfamiliar with the words, read the definitions and practice by using them in sentences.

24. History
Key Ideas
Mexico’s original people—the Olmecs, Maya, and Aztecs—settled in the area
surrounding and including today’s Mexico City.
Enlightenment ideas played a part in Mexico’s independence from Spain, similar to the United States in its fight for independence.

25. History
Key Ideas
Mexico has sometimes struggled to provide opportunities for all of its citizens, despite economic growth.

26. Key Terms maize - corn astronomy - the study of the stars and planets
History
Key Terms
maize - corn
astronomy - the study of the stars and planets
aqueduct - channel that moves water over a long distance
Students should use the Word Wise feature in the Mexico chapter of their Student Journal to explore Key Terms.

27. Key Terms conquistador - Spanish soldier-explorer
History
Key Terms
conquistador - Spanish soldier-explorer
Mexican Revolution - armed rebellion in which the Mexican people fought for political and social reform
Students should use the Word Wise feature in the Mexico chapter of their Student Journal to explore Key Terms.

28. History
Olmec Rule
Around 1500 B.C., the Olmec civilization arose along Mexico’s gulf coast.
They developed a political system, a religion, and a system of writing.
They traded with nearby peoples.

29. History
Draw Conclusions: What indicates that the Olmec civilization was advanced?
Use what you have learned about the history of Mexico to complete the graphic organizer.

30. History
Maya Civilization
The Maya emerged after the Olmecs as the dominant Mexican civilization.
They recorded the history of their rulers, and excelled at astronomy.
Maya civilization declined around A.D. 900.
Use the timeline in the digital lesson for Mexico to learn more about the Maya civilization.

31. Emergence of the Aztecs
History
Emergence of the Aztecs
In the 1400s the Aztecs arose and built their capital, Tenochtitlàn, on an island in the middle of a lake.
They were skilled farmers, and built aqueducts to bring water to the capital.
Use the timeline in the digital lesson for Mexico to learn more about the Aztecs.

32. History
Spanish Rule
In 1519 Spanish conquistador Hernan Cortés landed in Mexico.
Cortés destroyed Tenochtitlàn and built Mexico city in its place.
Under Spanish rule, the lives of native peoples changed.

33. History
Cause and Effect
What effects did the arrival of Cortes have on the Aztec Empire?
Use what you have learned about the history of Mexico to complete the graphic organizer.

34. Separating From Spain In 1821 Mexico won independence from Spain.
History
Separating From Spain
In 1821 Mexico won independence from Spain.
Political corruption sparked the Mexican Revolution in 1910.
A constitution was declared in 1917, and fighting slowed.

35. What did the Mexican Revolution hope to achieve?
History
What did the Mexican Revolution hope to achieve?
Use what you have learned about the history of Mexico to complete the graphic organizer.

36. History
Use what you have learned about the history of Mexico to complete the graphic organizer.

37. What are some ways that family members
Today
What are some ways that family members
help each other?
Begin the lesson by asking students to list ways that family members help one another—with food, emotional support, and so forth. Ask students, How do you think family members continue to help each other even when they live far apart? Ask them whether they or anyone they know sends money to family members in another country. Discuss why people might need this extra help.

38. How does Mexico’s government resemble that
Today
How does Mexico’s government resemble that
of the United States?
Remind students that in Section 2 they learned that the United States served as an example when Mexico sought independence. Ask them to predict how the government of Mexico might be similar to that of the United States.

39. Academic Vocabulary dominate - v. to control or rule over
Today
Academic Vocabulary
dominate - v. to control or rule over
The visitor tried to dominate the conversation.
dynamic - adj. active, or showing progress The gymnast’s performance was dynamic.
Use the Academic Vocabulary or high-use words to review terms you may encounter in the section. If you are unfamiliar with the terms, read the definitions and practice by using them in sentences.

40. Today
Key Ideas
Mexico has three branches of government. The Constitution of 1917 sets the framework for Mexico’s government.
Much of Mexico’s wealth is concentrated within a small upper class.
Light manufacturing, natural resources, trade, and tourism support Mexico’s economy.

41. Today
Key Terms
Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI) - political party that dominated Mexico’s government for much of the 1900s
National Action Party (PAN) - Mexican political party that took power in the 2000 presidential election
Students should use the Word Wise feature in the Mexico chapter of their Student Journal to explore Key Terms.

42. Today
Key Terms
free market - economic market in which businesses operate with few governmental restrictions
remittance - money sent to another place
Students should use the Word Wise feature in the Mexico chapter of their Student Journal to explore Key Terms.

43. Today
Mexican Government
The government of Mexico has three branches, and is similar to that of the United States.
The legislative branch creates laws
The executive branch carries out the laws
The judicial branch interprets the laws
Use the Data Discovery in digital lesson to explore political systems in Mexico.

44. Political Parties in Mexico
Today
Political Parties in Mexico
In 1929, the Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI) gained control of Mexico’s government.
Every six years, the president would name another PRI member to succeed him.
In 2000, Vincente Fox of the National Action Party (PAN) became president.

45. Today
Mexican Culture
Mexico has a culture that blends, or mixes, traditions.
The culture combines Spanish and Native American traditions.
About three quarters of people practice the Roman Catholic faith.

46. Mexico’s Economy In the late 1900s, leaders adopted free market ideas.
Today
Mexico’s Economy
In the late 1900s, leaders adopted free market ideas.
The result was more economic growth and more jobs
Trade with the United States has led to a growing Mexican economy

47. Mexico’s Workers Most Mexicans work in the service industry.
Today
Mexico’s Workers
Most Mexicans work in the service industry.
About one quarter of Mexicans labor in factories.
Some of Mexico’s poor travel north to the United States to find jobs.

48. Trade With Other Countries
Today
Trade With Other Countries
Trade has become very important to Mexico’s economy.
Mexico now has free trade agreements with more than forty other countries.

49. How does Mexico benefit from NAFTA?
Today
How does Mexico benefit from NAFTA?
Think about the North Atlantic Free Trade Agreement. Use the table to make a list of ways in which the Mexican economy has benefited from this trade agreement with the United States and Canada.

50. Providing Jobs Growing trade has led to more jobs in Mexico.
Today
Providing Jobs
Growing trade has led to more jobs in Mexico.
However, the agricultural industry has struggled as imports from the United States are cheaper than foods grown in Mexico.
Mexico’s economy is also very dependent on the United States.

51. What are Mexico’s major exports?
Today
What are Mexico’s major exports?
List some of Mexico’s major exports in the graphic organizer.

52. Today
Use the graphic organizer below to record the main ideas and details about these topics.

53. How much does geography shape a country?
Today
How much does geography shape a country?
Think back on everything you learned in the chapter. Use the graphic organizer to make notes about how geography shapes a country. Use specific examples to explain your answer.