MexicoMexico

Origins of Modern Day Origins of Modern Day MexicoMexico 1200BCE-1521CE1200BCE-1521CE- Olmec - Olmec

the Maya and the Aztecs the Maya and the Aztecs dominate Mexican regiondominate Mexican region

15191519-Spanish arrive in -Spanish arrive in MexicoMexico

15211521- Aztec Capital Falls - Aztec Capital Falls to Hernan Cortez and his to Hernan Cortez and his Native alliesNative allies

1521-18101521-1810- Mexico - Mexico becomes the Largest becomes the Largest Spanish colony in the Spanish colony in the WorldWorld

An Independent MexicoAn Independent Mexico

1810- Father Miguel Hidalgo 1810- Father Miguel Hidalgo Declares Mexican Declares Mexican IndependenceIndependence

1821- Mexico is officially 1821- Mexico is officially recognized as an recognized as an independent nationindependent nation

1821- 1836- Unstable 1821- 1836- Unstable government marked by government marked by constant turmoilconstant turmoil

1848- Santa Ana led forces 1848- Santa Ana led forces loose Mexican-American War loose Mexican-American War

1860’s- Military occupation by 1860’s- Military occupation by the Frenchthe French

Modern MexicoModern Mexico 1860’s- Military 1860’s- Military

occupation by the Frenchoccupation by the French 1867- The French are 1867- The French are

expelledexpelled 1913- Civil wars end, and 1913- Civil wars end, and

Venustiano Carranza Venustiano Carranza takes powertakes power

GeographyGeography

-Mexico is bound to the north by the -Mexico is bound to the north by the US(California, Arizona, New Mexico US(California, Arizona, New Mexico and Texas)and Texas)

-Bound to south and west by the Pacific -Bound to south and west by the Pacific OceanOcean

-Bound to the east by the Gulf of Mexico-Bound to the east by the Gulf of Mexico

-Bound by the southeast by Belize, -Bound by the southeast by Belize, Guatemala and the Caribbean SeaGuatemala and the Caribbean Sea

-shares a border of 3,141 km with the US-shares a border of 3,141 km with the US

GeographyGeography

Mexico is divided into multiple regions Mexico is divided into multiple regions according to landscape and according to landscape and elevation. These include the central elevation. These include the central plateau, Pacific Lowlands, Gulf Coast plateau, Pacific Lowlands, Gulf Coast plains, Yucatan Peninsula, Southern plains, Yucatan Peninsula, Southern Highland, Chiapas Highlands and the Highland, Chiapas Highlands and the Baja California Peninsula. Baja California Peninsula.

The central plateau is characterized by The central plateau is characterized by Sierra Madre Occidental in the west Sierra Madre Occidental in the west and the Sierra Madre Oriental in the and the Sierra Madre Oriental in the east. east.

Physical FeaturesPhysical Features

Terrain- rugged mountains; low coastal plains; high plateaus; Terrain- rugged mountains; low coastal plains; high plateaus; desertdesert

The Grande de Santiago and the Lerma rivers together form The Grande de Santiago and the Lerma rivers together form the the largest and most important river system and are an the the largest and most important river system and are an important source of hydroelectric powerimportant source of hydroelectric power

The Rio Bravo(known as the Rio Grande in the US) is the The Rio Bravo(known as the Rio Grande in the US) is the border between the US and Mexico and provide water for border between the US and Mexico and provide water for irrigation for both countries irrigation for both countries

Physical FeaturesPhysical Features

- Lowest point is Laguna Salada at - Lowest point is Laguna Salada at -10 Meters-10 Meters

- Highest point is Pico de Orizaba Highest point is Pico de Orizaba at 5,700 Meters (3rd highest at 5,700 Meters (3rd highest peak in North America)peak in North America)

- 9,330 km of coast line and 4,353 9,330 km of coast line and 4,353 km of land boundarieskm of land boundaries

Natural HazardsNatural Hazards

Mexico is located on top of 3 tectonic Mexico is located on top of 3 tectonic plates causing it to experience a high plates causing it to experience a high degree of seismic activitydegree of seismic activity

Tsunamis-Tsunamis- located along the pacific coast located along the pacific coast

Volcanoes & Earthquakes-Volcanoes & Earthquakes- located in the located in the center and southcenter and south

Hurricanes-Hurricanes- located in the gulf of Mexico located in the gulf of Mexico and Caribbean coasts. and Caribbean coasts.

LanguageLanguage

Because Spain had the most control over Because Spain had the most control over Mexico, Spanish became the dominant Mexico, Spanish became the dominant language of the countrylanguage of the country

80 percent speak both Spanish and 80 percent speak both Spanish and another indigenous languageanother indigenous language

Different LanguagesDifferent Languages

Spanish is not the only language spokenSpanish is not the only language spoken Many indigenous languages still spokenMany indigenous languages still spoken

NahuatlNahuatl Maya Maya Mixteco Mixteco Zapoteco Zapoteco

PercentagesPercentages

Maya- 13%Maya- 13% Mixteco and Zapoteco – 7%Mixteco and Zapoteco – 7% Other- less than 5%Other- less than 5% Spanish- more than 80%Spanish- more than 80% Nahuatl-spoken by millions of MexicansNahuatl-spoken by millions of Mexicans

Mexico’s EconomyMexico’s Economy

Income per Capita: $7,130 USD.Income per Capita: $7,130 USD.

GDP: 1.134 Trilion USD (Purchase Power GDP: 1.134 Trilion USD (Purchase Power Parity)Parity)

Gini Index: 49.5Gini Index: 49.5

Human Development Index: 82.1Human Development Index: 82.1

Currency: PesoCurrency: Peso

The economy of Mexico is considered The economy of Mexico is considered reasonably well-developed. reasonably well-developed.

The main engines of the economy are:The main engines of the economy are: IndustryIndustry AgricultureAgriculture TourismTourism MiningMining RemittancesRemittances

Mexican industry has been supported by Mexican industry has been supported by Free Trade agreements, most notably, Free Trade agreements, most notably, NAFTANAFTA

This led to the rise of This led to the rise of MaquiladorasMaquiladoras Today, Mexico boasts varied heavy Today, Mexico boasts varied heavy

industry, mostly in Northern Mexico.industry, mostly in Northern Mexico.

AgricultureAgriculture Agriculture accounts for 3.9% of GDPAgriculture accounts for 3.9% of GDP Birthplace of CornBirthplace of Corn Advocados, Lime/Lemons, Papaya, Advocados, Lime/Lemons, Papaya,

chilis/pepperschilis/peppers Increased MechanizationIncreased Mechanization

TourismTourism

Drug TourismDrug Tourism Experience TourismExperience Tourism

““Me” TourismMe” Tourism

Mineral ResourcesMineral Resources

Mexico is ranked 5Mexico is ranked 5thth globally in oil globally in oil production, 10production, 10thth in oil export. in oil export.

Mexico also produces silver. Mexico also produces silver.

RemittancesRemittances

Remittances contribute $18 billion to the Remittances contribute $18 billion to the Mexican economy. Mexican economy.

Uno por Dos programUno por Dos program

Mixed BlessingMixed Blessing

There remains wildly uneven economic There remains wildly uneven economic development in Mexico. development in Mexico.

While Northern Mexico is industrialized, While Northern Mexico is industrialized, Southern Mexico, not so much.Southern Mexico, not so much.

N. Mexico= HDI of .8N. Mexico= HDI of .8 S. Mexico= .4S. Mexico= .4

President is elected through popular vote President is elected through popular vote every 6 years with no re-electionevery 6 years with no re-election

President controls who his Party chooses President controls who his Party chooses to run for national offices (like Congress)to run for national offices (like Congress)

Executive branch initiates 90% of all Executive branch initiates 90% of all legislationlegislation

President chooses cabinet membersPresident chooses cabinet members

Politics and GovernmentPolitics and GovernmentExecutive Branch

Legislative BranchLegislative Branch Bicameral (2 houses)Bicameral (2 houses)

Chamber of Deputies Chamber of Deputies *500 members *500 members *3 year terms*3 year terms SenateSenate *128 members*128 members *6 year terms*6 year terms

Not very powerfulNot very powerful lobbyists, interest groups not common lobbyists, interest groups not common

JudiciaryJudiciary

Centered around the Supreme CourtCentered around the Supreme Court Judges appointed by PresidentJudges appointed by President Must be approved by 2/3 Senate vote Must be approved by 2/3 Senate vote Rarely evaluates new laws through judicial Rarely evaluates new laws through judicial

precedentprecedent

Ability to change laws is limited Ability to change laws is limited

Very little influenceVery little influence

Local GovernmentLocal Government 31 states + federal district of Mexico City 31 states + federal district of Mexico City

(nation’s capitol)(nation’s capitol) Governors elected to 6 year termsGovernors elected to 6 year terms Organization: state Organization: state municipality municipality citycity Local governments have little powerLocal governments have little power

Because most revenue comes from federal, Because most revenue comes from federal, not local, tax collectionnot local, tax collection

Local Government (cont.) Local Government (cont.)

Political PartiesPolitical Parties Institutional Revolutionary PartyInstitutional Revolutionary Party

Dominated National Government 1929-2000Dominated National Government 1929-2000 National Action Party (PAN)National Action Party (PAN)

Founded 1939Founded 1939 Right-leaning: privatization, minimize spending on Right-leaning: privatization, minimize spending on

social servicessocial services Party of the Democratic Revolution (PRD)Party of the Democratic Revolution (PRD)

Founded 1989Founded 1989 Left-leaningLeft-leaning Usually opposes NAFTA (1994)Usually opposes NAFTA (1994)

Post-PRI PoliticsPost-PRI Politics Vicente Fox (PAN) wins 2000 electionVicente Fox (PAN) wins 2000 election

PRI lost control of Congress and PRI lost control of Congress and presidency for first time in decadespresidency for first time in decades

2006 Election: Felipe Calderon (PAN) 2006 Election: Felipe Calderon (PAN) narrowly beats Andres Manuel Lopez narrowly beats Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador (PRD)Obrador (PRD) Many protests and claims of election fraudMany protests and claims of election fraud

Vicente Fox

Lopez Obrador

Calderon

Protests after the 2006 election in support of Lopez Obrador

Comparison with USAComparison with USA

Major Differences: In Mexico…Major Differences: In Mexico… Local governments less powerful than in USALocal governments less powerful than in USA Executive is much more powerful than other 2 Executive is much more powerful than other 2

branchesbranches Lobbyists/interest groups are Lobbyists/interest groups are ununcommoncommon Presidential elections by popular vote Presidential elections by popular vote Existed period of long domination by one PartyExisted period of long domination by one Party

Comparison With USAComparison With USA

Major Similarities: Both countries…Major Similarities: Both countries… Are federal republics (national AND local Are federal republics (national AND local

governments)governments) Have universal suffrage 18 and olderHave universal suffrage 18 and older Have 3 branches of governmentHave 3 branches of government Have a 2-house legislature Have a 2-house legislature Have a Supreme CourtHave a Supreme Court

Mexican ReligionMexican Religion

                                                

Ancient Mexican ReligionAncient Mexican Religion

Nahua, religion of the Nahuatl, main Nahua, religion of the Nahuatl, main religion of ancient Mexicoreligion of ancient Mexico

Mixture of many different Mexican Mixture of many different Mexican religions including Mayans, Toltecs, and religions including Mayans, Toltecs, and OlmecsOlmecs

Worshipped many deities Worshipped many deities Tonatiuh, sun deity of theTonatiuh, sun deity of the

Nahua faith Nahua faith

Ancient Mexican ReligionAncient Mexican Religion

Practiced ritualistic cannibalism and Practiced ritualistic cannibalism and performed human sacrifices for many performed human sacrifices for many reasonsreasons

Appease the godsAppease the gods Prevent drought, famine, earthquakes, etc.Prevent drought, famine, earthquakes, etc. Guarantee their existenceGuarantee their existence

Ancient Mexican ReligionAncient Mexican Religion

Arrival of Spaniards in the 1500s changed Arrival of Spaniards in the 1500s changed religion drasticallyreligion drastically

Spaniards introduced Catholicism to Mexican Spaniards introduced Catholicism to Mexican nativesnatives

Now favor one God as opposed to manyNow favor one God as opposed to many Some deities were, however, incorporated to Some deities were, however, incorporated to

create a unique Catholic faithcreate a unique Catholic faith San La Muerte worshipped on “Dia de los San La Muerte worshipped on “Dia de los

Muertos” Muertos”

Modern ReligionModern Religion

Mexico is currentlyMexico is currently 89% Roman Catholic89% Roman Catholic 6% Protestant6% Protestant 5% Other5% Other

The most important symbolThe most important symbol

of Mexico is “Nuestra of Mexico is “Nuestra

Senora de Guadlupe,”Senora de Guadlupe,”

who first appeared in 1531.who first appeared in 1531.

Modern ReligionModern Religion

The 5% of Other contains Mormons, The 5% of Other contains Mormons, Jews, Jehovah’s Witnesses, and Tibetan Jews, Jehovah’s Witnesses, and Tibetan BuddhistsBuddhists

Most Mexicans are able to find a place to Most Mexicans are able to find a place to worship, although there are not any worship, although there are not any mosques for Muslims.mosques for Muslims.

Mexico even holds one of only six “Tibet Mexico even holds one of only six “Tibet Houses” in the world.Houses” in the world.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               

                                       

Modern ReligionModern Religion

Mexicans have many religious customs and festivals Mexicans have many religious customs and festivals that are still practiced to date.that are still practiced to date.

Every Mexican city holds yearly fiestas to show honor Every Mexican city holds yearly fiestas to show honor to its local patron saint.to its local patron saint.

Las Posadas begins on December 16Las Posadas begins on December 16thth and lasts until and lasts until the 24the 24th.th.

Traditionally acted out the journey of Mary and Joseph Traditionally acted out the journey of Mary and Joseph to Bethlehem.to Bethlehem.

Now usually nine parties celebrated in different friends’ Now usually nine parties celebrated in different friends’ homes before Christmas.homes before Christmas.

Guadalupe Day, December 12Guadalupe Day, December 12thth, is the most important , is the most important day.day.

Mexican FoodMexican Food

BasicsBasics RiceRice BeansBeans

refried or de la olla refried or de la olla CornCorn

Chilies Chilies Used to liven up what Used to liven up what

would be rather bland would be rather bland foodfood

RiceRice

Spanish Rice – red in Spanish Rice – red in colorcolor sauce of tomatoes, sauce of tomatoes,

cilantro, onions, garlic cilantro, onions, garlic and chicken bouillon. and chicken bouillon.

Yellow Rice - made Yellow Rice - made with saffronwith saffron a spice used in Spain a spice used in Spain

mainly. mainly. White riceWhite rice

cooked only with water cooked only with water and a little bit of milk  and a little bit of milk  and salt.and salt.

MeatsMeats

A lot of fish A lot of fish Pacific and Gulf of Pacific and Gulf of

Mexico closeMexico close

BeefBeef PorkPork ChickenChicken

Unique ProduceUnique Produce

GuanabanaGuanabana a very sweet fruit a very sweet fruit

of white meat with of white meat with lots of black lots of black seeds,  seeds, 

ChayotesChayotes green vegetable, green vegetable,

has lots of spines has lots of spines on the skin. These on the skin. These are removed when are removed when cookedcooked

                           

BreakfastBreakfast

Glass of fresh orange Glass of fresh orange juicejuice

Followed by 2 huevos Followed by 2 huevos rancheros (2 sunny rancheros (2 sunny side up eggs on a side up eggs on a fried tortilla with any fried tortilla with any kind of salsa on top)kind of salsa on top)

Cup of hot chocolate Cup of hot chocolate or coffee.or coffee.

LunchLunch

Torta – sandwich with Torta – sandwich with a special kind of a special kind of white bread with white bread with refried beans, ham, refried beans, ham, cheese, lettuce, cheese, lettuce, tomato, avocado, tomato, avocado, onions and sweet onions and sweet creamcream

Lemonade or Lemonade or Agua de Horchata. Agua de Horchata.

(this is rice water with (this is rice water with vanilla, sugar and vanilla, sugar and cinnamon) cinnamon)

DinnerDinner

Chiles Rellenos, Chiles Rellenos, A poblano pepper A poblano pepper

stuffed with cheese stuffed with cheese dressed with a batter dressed with a batter of eggs and fried until of eggs and fried until it is brown. it is brown.

Then put in a sauce Then put in a sauce made of tomatoes, made of tomatoes, garlic, onion, cilantro garlic, onion, cilantro and chicken bouillonand chicken bouillon

Cooked in the sauce Cooked in the sauce for about ten minutesfor about ten minutes