Final answer:
The Ancestral Puebloans' migration to Arizona and New Mexico was driven by the Great Drought, population pressures, social turmoil, cultural changes, and the arrival of new peoples. Intensive agriculture, reliant on new irrigation techniques, was affected by the drought, forcing these populations to seek out more sustainable living conditions. Archaeological evidence and modern Pueblo assertions support the idea of a southward migration that led to the formation of current Pueblo cultures.
Step-by-step explanation:
The migration of Ancestral Puebloans, also known as the Anasazi, into present-day Arizona and New Mexico was influenced by several factors. A significant driver was the Great Drought, a major climatic event that lasted for about 300 years and severely impacted North America. This drought led to challenges in sustaining agriculture, which was a core component of the Ancestral Puebloan lifestyle. Additionally, the Anasazi became more insular during this period, relying on new irrigation techniques to support their intensified agricultural practices.
Another factor contributing to migration was population growth, particularly in village settlements, which may have put pressure on local resources. Social turmoil, including changes in cultural practices and possible religious conflicts, is evidenced by archaeological findings such as deliberately set fires and boarded-up ceremonial structures. The presence of new peoples moving into the area further compounded these pressures, leading to increased competition for resources, which may have escalated into warfare at times.
Ultimately, by 1300 CE, many towns and villages had been abandoned. The Ancestral Puebloans are believed to have migrated south and integrated with groups that later became known as modern Pueblo cultures, such as the Hopi and Zuni. This migration was a complex process, influenced by environmental, social, and cultural changes.