In-Depth Notes on Mexico's Physical Characteristics, Culture, and Economy

Physical Characteristics of Mexico

• Mountain Ranges:
  • Sierra Madre Occidental: Largest range on the west coast.
  • Sierra Madre Oriental: Runs parallel on the east coast.
• Central Plateau:
  • Located between the Sierra Madres and is characterized by high, flat land.
  • Important for agriculture and populous, housing about 4/5 of the total population.
  • Even though rich in resources, it is geologically unstable due to the intersection of four tectonic plates; prone to earthquakes and volcanic activity.
• Baja California:
  • A peninsula on the northern Pacific coast, extending into the ocean.
• Gulf Coastal Plain:
  • Curves around the Gulf of Mexico; includes the Yucatán Peninsula.

Climate and Agriculture

• Central Plateau Climate:
  • High elevation (averaging around 7,000 feet) contributes to mild weather conditions.
  • Weather examples: 74°F (23°C) in July; 70°F (21°C) in January in Mexico City.
  • Rainfall varies, with northern areas being drier and southern areas receiving more rain.
• Agricultural Importance:
  • Rich soil and adequate rainfall bolster farming despite geological instability.

Urban Conditions and Migration

• Mexico City:
  • Attracts newcomers due to good climate and job opportunities.
  • Living conditions vary; many poor families reside in slums and “lost cities”.
  • Recent policies allow newcomers to own land after living on it for five years.
• Social Issues:
  • Income disparity still a challenge; many poor families live without basic needs.

Cultural Heritage

• Plaza de las Tres Culturas:
  • Represents the blending of three cultures: Native American, Spanish, and mestizo.
  • Features include ruins of an Aztec temple, a Spanish church, and modern buildings.
• Historical Background:
  • Aztec Empire initially dominated with its capital, Tenochtitlán, prospering in the 1400s.
  • Spanish conquest in the early 1500s established New Spain, leading to social class stratification.

Social Classes in New Spain

• Social Hierarchy:
  • Peninsulares (Spanish born), Criollos (Spanish descendants in the Americas), Mestizos (mixed ancestry), Indigenous peoples.
• Living Conditions:
  • Native Americans worked on haciendas (large farms) under poor conditions.

Road to Independence

• Independence Movement:
  • Started by Miguel Hidalgo in 1810; Mexico gained independence by 1821, but struggles for democracy continued.
  • The Mexican Revolution in 1910 sought “land, bread, and justice for all.”
• Current Governance:
  • Mexico functions as a democratic republic today with a president and congress.

Economic Overview

• Rural vs Urban:
  • A significant portion of the population works in agriculture, including large farms for production vs. smaller family farms.
  • About 75% live in urban areas for job opportunities.
• Industries:
  • Major industries include oil extraction and tourism; however, the need for environmental protection is growing due to industrial pollution.
• Tourism:
  • Regions like Acapulco and Cancún are key tourist destinations, viewed as a cleaner economic option compared to traditional industry.