What was one major reason New Mexico struggled with statehood?

One major reason New Mexico struggled with statehood was the difficulty with land and water rights. This issue was significant because New Mexico's diverse and often contested landscape led to complicated legal and historical claims over land ownership and water resources. The land grants from the Spanish and Mexican periods created a patchwork of property ownership that contributed to ongoing disputes. These disputes were not only about land but also about access to water, which is crucial in the arid Southwest for agriculture and living. The complexities of these rights slowed down the process toward achieving statehood, as settling these conflicts was seen as a prerequisite for integration into the United States as a state.

Other factors, such as geographical isolation, lack of military participation, and insufficient population density, certainly played roles in the broader context of statehood; however, the contention over land and water rights directly impacted political negotiations and the relationship between New Mexico and federal authorities. Addressing these rights was vital for ensuring fair governance and representation, making it a central issue in the struggle for statehood.