Poverty in New Mexico Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2750 words

Poverty in New Mexico - Research Paper Example A recent USDA report says that 28% of the New Mexico population does not has access to medical insurance and are extremely vulnerable in case of ill-health (TVC grant county). Poverty is more prevalent in the rural areas, although it by no means spares the urban centers of the state. How did such massive poverty engulf the state of New Mexico? In this research paper we will analyze some of the historical and cultural reasons which have been responsible for high poverty rates in this state. In the last session we will analyze some solutions which can be implemented in order to ensure that the poverty levels decline in the state and people are able to sustain them. Historical & Cultural reasons for poverty Poverty in New Mexico is not a recent phenomenon. It has always been neglected by all its rulers. In this section we analyze the reasons for this historical neglect of the state of New Mexico.... These three cities were the gateway to the north for the Spaniards. The first gateway city was El Paso, Texas which was part of a fertile river valley and the lowest pass across the Rocky Mountains. The other gateway cities were Matamoros on the eastern edge and San Diego on the western edge (Roberts, Calvin A. Roberts and Chilton). The setting up of these cities led to the establishment of a North-South trade route, ignoring the east-west route at the expense of New Mexico region. As the New Mexican region was far away from Spanish seat of power, the development focused only on these three cities and the large hinterland of Arizona and New Mexico was ignored. After the independence of Mexico, the Mexican government continued the trend and focused only on the north south trade route; thus leading to the further growth of these cities .This caused prosperity in Texas and California while New Mexico and Arizona suffered from neglect (Roberts, Calvin A. Roberts and Chilton). Apache Raid s It is not that no exploration was made by the Spaniards or the Mexicans in to the territory of New Mexico .Coronado made a famous exploration in 1540 through Northern Mexico. However all the settlers in this area had to face raids by the Apache Indians? These regular raids made it difficult to set up roads and communication in the area. The explorer’s also did not find enough gold or other minerals here which will make economic sense to fight these raids. The Apache Indian were terrified of foreigners since the Spanish took them into slave trade and thus worked overtime to drive away settlers and development from the New Mexican region (Lund). Harsh Terrain The harsh and rough terrain of New Mexico and the absence of an east-west road system frustrated the