Final answer:
Poor peasants in Mexico were forced to seek a better life in 'El Norte' due to limited opportunities in rural areas, the lure of better life in the US, and the impact of global trade agreements like NAFTA.
Step-by-step explanation:
A large number of poor peasants in Mexico were forced to seek a better life in 'El Norte' due to a push-pull relationship. In rural areas, jobs and opportunities are hard to find, leading to a push factor.
At the same time, the US-Mexican border region, particularly the border region, attracts migrants who are looking for greater opportunities and advantages, creating a pull factor. The United States is considered a land of opportunity, attracting both legal and illegal immigrants from Mexico.
In addition, factors such as the fluctuations in the value of their products and the impact of trade agreements like NAFTA also affect the livelihoods of the poor peasants. For example, the Zapatista rebellion in 1994 was a movement led by Indigenous peasants who realized that NAFTA would allow giant corporations to flood local markets with cheaper products, making it difficult for them to sell their agricultural surpluses for a living wage.
Overall, the combination of limited opportunities in rural areas, the lure of better life in the US, and the impact of global trade agreements have compelled a large number of poor peasants in Mexico to seek a better life in 'El Norte'.