mexico
DESCRIPTION
This PowerPoint is on Mexico. It was a large portion of a Unit Study we did on Latin America.TRANSCRIPT
Mexico
Land
• Mexico forms part of a land bridge
• At Mexico’s narrowest point, only 140 miles of land separate the Pacific Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico.
Peninsula’s
• Baja California along the west coast.
• Yucatan Peninsula along the east coast.
• Gulf of Mexico and Caribbean Sea bordering its shores.
Sierra Madre
• Sierra Madre Occidental: mountain range on the west coast
• Sierra Madre Oriental: mountain range in eastern Mexico
• Sierra Madre del Sur: in southwestern Mexico
Popocatepetl
Popocatepetl
Earthquake of 1985
Mexico City – 8.1
The Plateau of Mexico
• Located in the center of Mexico
• North: deserts and grassy plains
• Center: flat valleys, most of Mexico’s people
• South: snowcapped mountains
Coastal Lowlands
• Pacific Coastal Plains: hot deserts (north), farming and ranching (south).
• Gulf Coastal Plains: more rain and fertile soil for growing crops and raising animals.
Climates
• Latitude: location north or south of the Equator
• Altitude: height above sea level
Altitude Zones
Tierra Fria: “cold land”
Tierra Templada: “temperate land”
Tierra Caliente: “ hot land”
Economy
• Northern Region
• Central Region
• Southern Region
Northern Mexico
• Dry and rocky
• Vaqueros or cowhands
• Maquiladoras: factories that assemble parts made in other countries
Central Mexico
• More than ½ of Mexico’s population lives in Central Mexico
• Fertile soils from the volcanoes allows for good farming and ranching
Southern Mexico
• Poorest economic region
• Subsistence farms: farmers grow enough food for their family
• Plantations: large farms that grow bananas or sugarcane
Native American Civilizations
• The Maya
– Built huge stone temples in the shape of pyramids with steps
– Developed hieroglyphics
– Decorated temples and tombs with murals
Mayan Hieroglyphics
Mayan Murals
Native American Civilizations
• The Aztec
– Mexico City, stands on the ancient site of Tenochtitlan, once the Aztec capital
– Tenochtitlan was originally built on two islands in the middle of Lake Texcoco
Spanish Mexico
• In 1519 Hernan Cortes defeated the Aztec
• Spain made Mexico a colony
• Spanish settlers raise cattle on large ranches called haciendas
Today’s Cultures
• 60% of Mexicans consider themselves mestizos.
• 30% are Native American
• 10% are descended from Europeans, especially Spaniards
Independence
• Mexico fought and won their independence in 1821
• In 1846, Mexico gave up claims to TX, CA, UT, NV, and parts of CO, WY, AZ, & NM
Government
• Mexico has a federal republic government
Cities & Villages
• Plazas: public squares located in the center of the cities
• Spanish architecture and modern buildings
• Many homes are made of adobe: sun-dried clay bricks.
Mexican Culture: Food
• Food: rich blend of flavors
• Corn, chocolate, tomatoes, and chilies come from Native American foods
• Spanish brought beer, chicken, cheese, and olive oil
Celebrations
• Celebrations, or fiestas, can include parades, fireworks, music, and dancing
• Mariachi bands play instruments such as violin, guitar, horn, and bass
• Rhythms and singing of Latino bands
Mariachi Bands
Latino Bands
Holidays
• National:
– Independence Day (09/16)
– Cinco de Mayo (May 5)
• Religious:
– Day of the Dead
Independence Day
Cinco de Mayo
Day of the Dead
Today’s Economy
• Ranks in the top 12 in the world
• Industrialized relying less on farming and more on manufacturing
• Service industries have grown
Challenges
• Population growth
– Some Mexicans become migrant workers:people who travel from place to place when extra workers are needed to plant or harvest crops
– Many legally and illegally come to the US
Challenges
• Foreign Investment & Debt
• Pollution
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