Podcast
Questions and Answers
What were Mexico's most valuable resources before oil was discovered?
What were Mexico's most valuable resources before oil was discovered?
Minerals
What is the climate like in Mexico's mountain valleys?
What is the climate like in Mexico's mountain valleys?
Mild
Where did the Olmec live?
Where did the Olmec live?
On the southern coast of the Gulf of Mexico
In what part of Mexico are Indian languages and traditional ways of life most common?
In what part of Mexico are Indian languages and traditional ways of life most common?
Approximately when did the Maya civilization collapse?
Approximately when did the Maya civilization collapse?
To whom did the Spanish monarch grant haciendas?
To whom did the Spanish monarch grant haciendas?
A problem in Mexico City that is made worse by the surrounding mountains is?
A problem in Mexico City that is made worse by the surrounding mountains is?
Which of the following was an achievement of the Maya?
Which of the following was an achievement of the Maya?
Most Mexicans speak Spanish because?
Most Mexicans speak Spanish because?
Who conquered the Aztecs?
Who conquered the Aztecs?
The fastest-growing industrial centers in Mexico lie?
The fastest-growing industrial centers in Mexico lie?
The mountain ranges of Mexico are all called the?
The mountain ranges of Mexico are all called the?
The body of water east of Mexico is?
The body of water east of Mexico is?
Water scarcity?
Water scarcity?
The climate of Mexico's southern coastal areas is?
The climate of Mexico's southern coastal areas is?
Good farmland in Mexico is found?
Good farmland in Mexico is found?
The volcano Popocatepetl?
The volcano Popocatepetl?
Which of these cultures came first in Mexico?
Which of these cultures came first in Mexico?
The hard work of the mines and haciendas was done by?
The hard work of the mines and haciendas was done by?
Miguel Hidalgo gave a speech calling for the common people to?
Miguel Hidalgo gave a speech calling for the common people to?
A result of the Mexican-American War was that?
A result of the Mexican-American War was that?
Mexico will probably continue as a developing country until?
Mexico will probably continue as a developing country until?
Mexicans celebrate the Day of the Dead?
Mexicans celebrate the Day of the Dead?
U.S. and foreign companies have built factories in Mexico because they?
U.S. and foreign companies have built factories in Mexico because they?
Trade among Mexico, Canada, has been made easier by?
Trade among Mexico, Canada, has been made easier by?
The pollution in Mexico City is caused by?
The pollution in Mexico City is caused by?
Mexico's colonial history can easily be seen?
Mexico's colonial history can easily be seen?
Slash-and-burn agriculture could be a problem because?
Slash-and-burn agriculture could be a problem because?
Northern Mexico is probably most affected by American culture because?
Northern Mexico is probably most affected by American culture because?
Mexico's government has traditionally been different from the U.S. government?
Mexico's government has traditionally been different from the U.S. government?
In 1521 Hernan Cortes claimed the land in Mexico for __________.
In 1521 Hernan Cortes claimed the land in Mexico for __________.
Many farmers in Mexico use __________ to clear land for planting.
Many farmers in Mexico use __________ to clear land for planting.
Mexico's mines produce more __________ than any other country in the world.
Mexico's mines produce more __________ than any other country in the world.
The __________ celebration combines elements of Spanish and Indian culture.
The __________ celebration combines elements of Spanish and Indian culture.
Mexico's __________ are a home for monkeys, jaguars, anteaters and other animals.
Mexico's __________ are a home for monkeys, jaguars, anteaters and other animals.
Early cultures in Mexico included the Olmec, the Maya, and the Aztec.
Early cultures in Mexico included the Olmec, the Maya, and the Aztec.
Mexico has two distinct culture regions.
Mexico has two distinct culture regions.
Between AD 250 and 900, the Olmec built large cities in Mexico and Central America.
Between AD 250 and 900, the Olmec built large cities in Mexico and Central America.
The haciendas were a large financial burden to their owners, who often went bankrupt.
The haciendas were a large financial burden to their owners, who often went bankrupt.
After the Mexican Revolution, a new government took land from the large landowners and gave it back to the peasant villages.
After the Mexican Revolution, a new government took land from the large landowners and gave it back to the peasant villages.
Match the following terms with their definitions:
Match the following terms with their definitions:
Study Notes
Valuable Resources and Geography
- Before oil discovery, minerals were Mexico's most valuable resources.
- Climate in Mexico's mountain valleys is described as mild.
- The Gulf of Mexico lies to the east of Mexico.
Ancient Civilizations
- The Olmec civilization inhabited the southern coast of the Gulf of Mexico.
- Maya civilization's collapse occurred after 900 CE, marked significant shifts in culture.
- The Olmec were the earliest known culture in Mexico, preceding the Maya and Aztec.
Spanish Conquest and Colonial Impact
- Hernan Cortes conquered the Aztecs, claiming Mexico for Spain in 1521.
- Haciendas were granted to favored individuals of Spanish ancestry by the Spanish monarchy.
- Spanish colonial influence resulted in most Mexicans speaking Spanish today.
Cultural Practices and Celebrations
- The Day of the Dead celebrates life and death, blending Spanish and indigenous traditions.
- Water scarcity poses serious challenges in various regions of Mexico.
- Northern Mexico is heavily influenced by American culture due to geographical proximity.
Economy and Development Issues
- Fastest-growing industrial centers are located along the U.S. border.
- Trade improvements between Mexico and Canada facilitated by the North American Free Trade Agreement.
- Mexico continues as a developing country, facing financial issues such as debt to foreign banks.
Environmental and Health Concerns
- Pollution in Mexico City stems from factory emissions and vehicle exhaust, leading to severe smog.
- Slash-and-burn agriculture, while a common method for clearing land, poses health risks due to smoke inhalation.
Social Structure and Demographics
- Mestizos are individuals of mixed European and Indian ancestry prevalent in Mexican society.
- American Indians and Africans were primarily responsible for labor in mines and haciendas.
- The majority of farmers in Mexico utilize slash-and-burn techniques for land preparation.
Historical and Political Context
- The Mexican-American War resulted in Mexico ceding nearly half of its territory to the United States.
- After the Mexican Revolution, a new government redistributed land from large landowners to peasant villages.
- Vicente Fox was elected in 2000, breaking a 71-year dominance of a single political party in Mexico.
Natural Features
- The Sierra Madre mountain ranges encompass all major mountain formations in Mexico.
- Good farmland is primarily found on the Gulf Coastal Plain.
- Rainforests in Mexico serve as habitats for diverse wildlife including monkeys, jaguars, and anteaters.
Additional Notes
- Popecatepetl, an active volcano, poses ongoing danger to nearby communities.
- Inflation represents a significant economic issue characterized by a rise in prices due to decreased currency value.
- Maquiladoras refer to U.S. and foreign-owned factories in Mexico, often established to leverage lower labor costs.
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Description
Test your knowledge on the key facts about Mexico from Chapter 6 of Newcomb. This quiz covers topics such as Mexico's resources, climate, and historical civilizations. Perfect for reviewing important concepts and enhancing your understanding of Mexican geography and history.
