GEOGRAPHY- Mexico

What was Hernan Cortes, who defeated the Aztec for the Spanish?

He was a Conquistador - a soldier, explorer.

How did the Aztecs supply their people with drinking water in their empire?

By Aqueducts

When did Mexico's economy begin to grow?

After leaders adopted Free Market ideas.

How do Mexicans working in America help to support their families?

Sending their families Remittances from their wages.

What political party has controlled Mexico during most of the Twentieth Century?

Institutional Revolutionary Party

What event caused Mexico to adopt many political and social reforms?

The Mexican Revolution that began in 1910.

What event caused agriculture to begin in the Americas?

Native peoples began to grow Maize (Corn).

Many Mexican farmers have turned to what to help combat the dry growing conditions in Mexico?

Farmers must irrigate their crops in order to secure a harvest.

What cause Mexico to have a wide variety of climates?

The differences in elevation throughout the country of Mexico.

In addition to their many mountain chains, what is a reason for the climate diversity in Mexico?

It's due to their large size.

What region of Mexico covers the majority of the area in central Mexico?

The Mexican Plateau

What group of people has the majority of Mexico's wealth?

Small portion of the upper class

What was the major reason why Mexico was granted its independence?

The Spanish Empire was weakening.

What influenced Mexico's desire to become independent from Spain?

The American Revolution

How did Mexico become independent from Spain in 1821?

The people of Mexico carried out revolt against the Spanish government.

What affects the agricultural areas of Mexico?

The varying altitudes of the country.

Why is difficult to raises crops in Northern Mexico?

Northern Mexico is extremely dry.

Where is the best agricultural area of Mexico?

Southern Mexican Plateau

How successful is the economy of Mexico?

Mexico a very productive economy - admired worldwide.

What type of work employs the majority of the workers in Mexico?

Service industries (influenced by tourism)

Mexico used the United States Constitution as its blue print when establishing its government. What is a large change they made in the Mexican Constitution?

Eligible voters are required to vote in elections.

Who controlled the power and wealth of Mexico?

It was in the hands of a small group of individuals; most people were poor.

Who built Mexico City?

The Spanish, on the ruins of the Aztec capitol.

In what year did Mexico gain its independence from Spain?

1821

What was the first Native American Civilization in Mexico?

Olmec

What are the reasons why only one-fifth of the land in Mexico can be used for agriculture?

Due to dry climates, mountains, and poor soil

What is the most important natural resource in Mexico?

Petroleum

What area of Mexico has the driest climate?

Northern Mexico

In what area of Mexico are sinkholes found?

Yucatan Peninsula