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From Mexico to the United States: What was the turning point in Arizona's history?
Arizona is located in the southwestern United States, bordering the Four Corners states (Colorado, New Mexico, and Utah in the west). It is not only the sixth largest state in the United States, but also the fourteenth most populous state, with a rich history and diverse culture. Its capital and largest city is Phoenix, which is the most populous state capital in the United States. Arizona officially became the 48th state of the United States on February 14, 1912, becoming the last of the contiguous states. The area went through the Alta California and New Mexico territories during the New Spain period, underwent many territorial changes, and finally became today's Arizona.
Arizona is a place full of historical changes, and the process from Mexico to the United States is a reflection of the cultural integration here.
Arizona's history can be traced back to ancient Indian civilizations, from the Hohokam and Mogollon to the Ancestral Puebloan culture, which flourished in the area and left behind many cultural relics and artifacts. Marcos de Niza of Spain first came into contact with the local indigenous people in 1539, and then the Spanish explorer Coronado explored in 1540, but failed to find the legendary Yellow City. . Despite this, Spanish colonial activities gradually landed in Arizona.
When Mexico gained its independence in 1821, Arizona became part of Mexico. It wasn't until 1848 that Mexico ceded large tracts of territory to the United States in the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo following the Mexican-American War. This included primarily what is now the Arizona Territory and part of New Mexico. This historical event was an important turning point in changing the direction of Arizona, and cultural exchange and integration between projects began.
The land ceded by Mexico created conditions for the expansion of the southwestern United States and planted the seeds for the cultural integration of the two sides.
As newspapers reported the discovery of gold and silver mines, many new immigrants began to flock to Arizona, especially in 1872, when a city called Tombstone prospered due to its rich silver resources. During this period, Arizona's economy also underwent major changes due to the rise of mining, but due to economic instability, many towns became ghost towns due to the decline after the mining boom.
In the first half of the twentieth century, the Mexican Revolution sparked unrest in the United States' border region. Arizona residents also served in various armies during the Revolution. In 1916, Pancho Villa attacked Columbus, New Mexico, sparking a strong response from the U.S. Army, one of the few battles with Mexican troops during the American Civil War. A new chapter in history began in 1912 when Arizona officially became the 48th state of the United States.
Arizona's admission to statehood marked a new phase in the interweaving of culture, history, and economy between the United States and Mexico.
Over the next few decades, Arizona's economy continued to expand in a variety of sectors, including tourism, agriculture, and copper mining. Especially during the Great Depression, as the tourism industry developed, Arizona's famous tourist attractions such as the Grand Canyon National Park attracted a large number of tourists. This economic transformation has also turned Arizona into a hot spot for retirees to live in. Today, the "Sun Valley" attracts "snowbirds" from all over the country and Canada.
Arizona faces new challenges in the 21st century. As the problem of illegal immigration intensified, Arizona lawmakers proposed the controversial SB 1070 bill in 2010, requiring all immigrants to carry identification with them. The bill subsequently sparked fierce legal debate and social discussion, revealing the state's Tensions and confusions regarding identity and cultural integration.
In summary, Arizona's history is a picture of interweaving land, people and culture. From the Mexican era to the United States’ entry, this land has undergone countless transitions and transformations to form the diverse and unique Arizona of today. How will the state continue to face new challenges and opportunities in the future while preserving its rich history?
