A fairly important part of Mexico's history has been shaped by
the natural resources it has. It was first invaded by Spanish
forces in 1519 due to its rich deposits of gold and silver,
destroying the Aztec and Mayan civilizations in the process. During
colonial times (1521 - 1821) it became the most successful overseas
colony of the Spanish Empire due to its mineral deposits as well as
its fertile soil and extensive ranching lands. During most of the
19th century it was invaded by foreign powers (United States,
France) due to these same resources; in fact the Mexican-American
War (1846 - 1848) was mainly the result of the forced acquisition
of California and its riches pushed by James K. Polk's
presidency.
Since the beginning of the 20th century, Mexico has become a
large exporter of oil, becoming part of the struggle between the
world powers of the time. One example is the Zimmerman Telegram,
sent by the German ambassador in Mexico in 1914 which promised
support to re-acquire some of Mexico's lost territories in exchange
of attacking the United States. This telegram was intercepted by
British intelligence and prompted the US to enter WWI.
During the later half of the 20th century these extensive
natural resources have helped in the industrialization of the
country. No longer a raw materials exporter, Mexico is now a large
manufacturing power, exporting more goods and services than the
rest of Latin America (Brazil, Argentina, Chile) combined.
Related Q&A：
How did Mexico's geography and the struggle for resources affect the history of Mexico？-Well, let me tell ya. Mexico's geography has played a huge role in its history. With its long coastlines and diverse landscapes, it's had both advantages and challenges. The struggle for resources, like fertile land and water, has led to conflicts and power shifts over time. For example, areas with rich agricultural resources have been highly contested. And the search for valuable minerals has shaped economic and political dynamics. Oh, and the mountains and deserts have sometimes isolated regions, creating distinct cultural and economic differences within the country. All these factors combined have really shaped the complex history of Mexico.
