History of Mexican Americans in the United States Essay

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Topic: Historical experiences of Mexican Americans from 1900 to 1960sIntroductionThe history of Mexican Americans within the United States is very rich and diverse. For one, Mexican American heritage has universally been synonymous with hard work and family-oriented values; both of which are strongly aligned with the culture of the United States. The influence of Latin America continues to grow faster than the country overall. Currently 61 million Latin Americans live in the United States accounting for roughly 18 percent of the population. Through this population growth, the Mexican American community has been interwoven into American society through Spanish colonialism, workers’ rights movements, and most recently immigrationWhat is “running toward whiteness?”To begin the Mexican revolution of 1910 caused a near tripling of Mexican Americans to the United States. From 1910 to 1930 , the U.S. Census found that nearly 600,000 Mexicans immigrated to the country to flee the violence of the Mexican revolution. In response, Woodrow Wilson would sign the Immigration Act of 1917 to severely limited immigration from Mexico and other Asian countries. Likewise the act imposed strict standards by which all immigrants must pass. One such requirement was the ability to pass a literacy test for immigrants over 16. It also refused entry for convicted criminals, known alcoholics, and those that could bring potentially contagious disease to America. In addition, by 1924 congress would create the border patrol through the passing of the Labor Appropriation Act of 1924. Here, the act looked to establish a dedicated force at both the Canadian and Mexican border to properly reign in immigration. Due in part to the anti-immigration rhetoric throughout the nations, many Latin Americans began to “run towards whiteness.” Here many looked to not embrace their Latin heritage as vehemently as they do today in a effort to appears many white citizens who were very fearful of Mexican immigrants.

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In addition, this period was marked with widespread discrimination on the part of white Americans against minorities. Here, Latin Americans and African Americans where heavily discriminated against during this period as it relates to economic and political issues. The KKK, looked to discourage Mexican Americans and other minorities from voting. Likewise, many…

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…form a social statement. Economically, Mexican Americans where denied access to capital to start businesses or to improve their economic standing. They were often charged much higher interest rates, with very restrictive terms, thus lowering their ability to prosper alongside of American society. Socially, many Mexican Americans where treated unequally through racial discrimination and general society stereotypes.As it relates to accomplishments that movement, thanks in part to Cesar Chavez and Dolores Huerta, the United Farm Workers union was established. Through this union Chavez and Huerta where able to social and economic conditions for Mexican American workers throughout the state. These improvements included higher pay, better working conditions, healthcare and much more (García, 1980).In addition the Chicano movement looked to also reclaim illegitimate land that was take by white Americans illegally during the 1848 Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo. This effort, headed by López Tijerina was successful in galvanizing an entire generation of young Latin Americans who historically where not as involved within the political process. The ability to obtain the land however was met with very stiff legal challenges that inevitably where met….....

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