Final answer:
Conditions in Mexico until the late 1860s were marked by territorial expansion, political turmoil between liberals and conservatives, and issues stemming from American settlement and slavery, particularly in Texas.
Step-by-step explanation:
The latter half of the 19th century in Mexico was marked by significant socio-political and economic changes. After achieving independence from Spain, the Mexican government sought to populate the Northern territories, including what is now Texas, by encouraging settlement from various groups, among them Anglo-Americans.
While Texas attracted settlers with offers of cheap land and exemptions from taxes, tensions rose due to the insistence on adherence to Mexican laws, such as the abolition of slavery, which clashed with the settlers' desires and ultimately led to the Texas Revolution and the creation of an independent republic where slavery was instituted.
Throughout Mexico, the end of the 1800s continued to be a turbulent time with a deep division between liberals and conservatives, influencing the course of national politics.
It was also an era of territorial loss to the United States, due to events like the Mexican-American War and the Texas Secession, leading to a dramatic shift in demographics and economic practices.
This period saw the rapid colonization of areas at the expense of indigenous communities and set the stage for future conflicts over slavery and ethnic discrimination in the broader North American context.
In summary, conditions in Mexico until the late 1860s were characterized by efforts to populate and develop northern territories, the impact of American settlers and the institution of slavery in Texas, and broader political instability framed by liberal and conservative factions.