What events in Mexico's history might explain why the country continues to have difficulty improving social justice and economic opportunities for all people?

Answer 1

It is a highly controversial topic, specially among Mexicans. But the four most likely include:

After the Mexican War of Independence against Spain (1810-1821), most of Mexico's economy reverted to subsistence levels, due mostly to Spanish capital fleeing the country. This changed Mexico from one of the most successful countries in the world to one of the most pauper in just a couple of decades.

Internal turmoil between conservatives and liberals kept a weak government and institutions. As an example, between 1821 and 1841, more than 30 people took charge and were quickly deposed as presidents of the country. This of course, resulted in poor and changing policies and high government costs, such as military expenses.

Successive internal wars and foreign invasions from the United States (1846) and France (1862) further weakened Mexico and increased its foreign debt to astounding levels.

The Mexican Revolution (1910-1921) caused more than 1 million dead to a country with no more than 11 million people. After the conflict, a "land redistribution policy" ensured rich and productive lands were given to ignorant, poor people who didn't know what to tho with them; ultimately becoming highly dependent on governmentsubsidiesto keep subsistence farming practices.