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Bell Ringer

Bell Ringer. List three things you know about Mexico, one about each topic : PHYSICAL GEOGRAPHY HISTORY CULTURE. Mexico. Physical Geography. Desert (Hot & Dry) in the North Temperate (Moderate) in the Center Tropical (Hot & Wet) in the South. Mexico is located on the Ring of Fire

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Bell Ringer

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  1. Bell Ringer List three things you know about Mexico, one about each topic: PHYSICAL GEOGRAPHY HISTORY CULTURE

  2. Mexico

  3. Physical Geography • Desert (Hot & Dry) in the North • Temperate (Moderate) in the Center • Tropical (Hot & Wet) in the South Mexico is located on the Ring of Fire Many volcanoes and earthquakes, like Popocatepetl, and Paricutin.

  4. History of Mexico Pre-colonial Period (3000BC to 1521) • Olmecs, Maya, Aztecs New Spain(1521 to 1821) • Part of Spain, Conquistadors • War of Independence from 1810 (Padre Hidalgo) to 1821 Independent Mexico (1821 - 1910) • Santa Ana 1830’s – 1850’s • Mexican-American War (1846-48) Modern Mexico (1911 – Present) • Mexican Revolution (1911-1920’s) • PRI One Party Rule (1929-1989)

  5. Demographics • Population is 110 million people – 65% Mestizo, 20-25% European, 10% Indian • 75% live in cities. • Largest city is Mexico City, with almost 20 million people

  6. Urbanization • Urbanization: The increasing role/importance that cities and their growth are playing globally • About half of Mexico's 105 million people (2002) now live in or near Mexico City and Guadalajara. • Every year, more people move from rural areas to urban areas.

  7. Politics • Republic, with three branches of government • 31 States, 1 Federal District • Many political parties – largest/oldest is PRI, but PAN is in power currently. • Biggest problem is corruption, due to international drug smuggling through Mexico

  8. Culture Mostly Catholic (89%), 2nd largest Catholic population in the world. Catholicism (Christianity) assimilated Aztec and Indian beliefs Rapid population growth, strong family values in Mexican culture

  9. Economy 11th largest in world. Shifting from agriculture to industryin north, less poverty. Farming areas in south still very poor. Oil largest part of GNP; #6 producer in world. PEMEXis government owned gas and oil company

  10. Border Basics The US-Mexico border is about 2000 miles long. It is the busiest land border in the world: 250,000,000 legal crossings last year (estimated) 500,000 illegal crossings last year (estimated) Mexico exports about $200 billion to the USA each year. The USA exports about $140 billion to Mexico each year. According to UMCOC.ORG

  11. NAFTA North American Free Trade Agreement • 1994 treaty • Connects economies of USA, Mexico, and Canada • reduce barriers to make trade easier • Some benefits, but also some problems.

  12. Maquiladoras • Border factories • Owned by foreign companies • Mexican workers, managers • Ship parts to Mexico • Ship assembled products back to US for sale. • Many are now moving to other countries. Why?

  13. Why Do This? • Cheap Labor – Mexican workers get paid less money than Americans, for same kinds of work. • Fewer Restrictions – Fewer laws about safety and pollution in Mexico. Cheaper to run a factory. • Both good and bad – long hours and low pay, but provide jobs, especially for women

  14. Mexico’s Drug War 2006 - 2011 Information provided by Stratfor.Com and Wikipedia.com

  15. Drug Smuggling Through Mexico Mexico is the main smuggling route for cocaine, marijuana, and heroin into the USA. Worth billions of dollars every year to whoever controls the trade. Originally run by one man, a corrupt federal agent named Miguel Gallardo. In late 1980’s, he divided the business among several associates. After his arrest, these groups became the modern “Cartels”. They have battled for control of the business ever since. There are several cartels, that form short alliances with each other. They are named after the cities they control or the families that run them.

  16. Mexico’s Response • In December 2006, Mexican President Felipe Calderon declared war on cartels, brought in the army because the police were ineffective or corrupt. • Cartels fought back with bombings and assassinations of govt. officials and police. • Almost 40,000 people dead in fighting since 2006, crime and violence rising. Worst fighting in border cities, like Tijuana and Ciudad Juarez • Violence has spilled over into the US, in TX, CA, and AZ. Cartels use US gangs to move drugs and enforce their rule.

  17. Effects on Mexico This money and violence cause corruption in Mexico, weakening society. Police, judges, and politicians are bribed. Crimes go unsolved. Normal people are afraid for their lives. Mexico’s economy is partially dependent of tourism . Fighting has now spread to previously safe areas like Cancun and Acapulco, driving business and visitors away.

  18. CNN Videos Mexico’s Drug War, Part 1 (12:00): http://edition.cnn.com/video/#/video/international/2008/12/16/wus.mexico.narco.war.bk.a.cnn?iref=videosearch Mexico’s Drug War, Part 2 (12:00): http://edition.cnn.com/video/#/video/international/2008/12/16/wus.mexico.narco.war.bk.b.cnn?iref=videosearch

  19. Mexico In Maps B A C D

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