Why did it take nearly 60 years for New Mexico to become a state?
There were several reasons why it took almost 60 years for New Mexico to become a state. One of the main reasons was the complex history of the region, which had been controlled by various foreign powers such as Spain and Mexico before becoming a territory of the United States in 1848. This complicated history led to debates and disagreements over whether New Mexico should be granted statehood.
Additionally, New Mexico's large Native American and Hispanic populations presented challenges in terms of representation and governance. Some policymakers in Washington were concerned about granting statehood to a territory with such a diverse population and cultural heritage.
Furthermore, there were economic and political considerations at play. Some politicians were wary of adding another state to the Union with a relatively small population and limited economic resources. There were also concerns about potential conflicts over land rights and water rights in the region.
Ultimately, it took several decades of lobbying and negotiations for New Mexico to finally gain statehood in 1912. The territory was able to demonstrate its readiness for statehood through its stable government, growing economy, and commitment to upholding the values of the United States.