Mexicans in the United States

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Mexicans in the United States

Introduction

“We need to help students and parents cherish and preserve the ethnic and cultural diversity that nourishes and strengthens this community and this nation.” These words of the Chicano civil rights leader Cesar Chavez have resonated into the present vision of Mexican culture in America. Mexicans in the United States have created a vibrant culture that has crossed over to influence other cultures. The reality is that Mexicans have played an integral role in shaping the current state of America, and through the power in numbers as well as the continued blending of cultures Mexicans will influence the future of the United States.

History

Mexicans were in American territory long before America was even founded. The current border ties back to the end of the U.S.-Mexico War (1846-1848). At the end of the war American troops invaded Mexico’s capital and resulted in the coerced signing of the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo. The treaty forced Mexico to give up almost half its territory. Most importantly, it initiated anti-Mexican sentiment that led to violations of civil rights. “In Texas, Mexicans were restricted from voting. In New Mexico, Mexicans were the victims of violence, while in California laws against them were passed, some of which were known as the Greaser Laws” (“The Border”).

In the early twentieth century, political and economic instability was caused in Mexico by the advent of the Mexican revolution. Many natives who feared the war fled the nation to the United States for refuge. “More than 890,000 legal Mexican immigrants came to the United States for refuge between 1910 and 1920. The Revolution had created a state of turmoil to the south, ...

... middle of paper ...

...ce of Mexicans will continue to grow. With these numbers, power will follow. Mexicans are leading the Cultural Revolution that Americans are currently experiencing. America will have a new face influenced by the indigenous blood of Mexico.

"There's no turning back...We will win. We are winning because ours is a revolution of mind and heart." – Cesar Chavez

Works Cited

Ramos, Jorge. The Other Face of America. 2002. Harper Collins: New York.

Mailman, Stanley. <http://www.ssbb.com/article1.html>. March 7, 2004.

“The Border.” <http://www.pbs.org/kpbs/theborder/>. March 3, 2004.

“Day of the Dead.” <http://www.azcentral.com/ent/dead/history/>. March 1, 2004.

“Quinceañeras.”

<http://www.tsha.utexas.edu/handbook/online/articles/view/QQ/ldq1.html>. March 1, 2004.

“Census.” <http://spanish.about.com/b/a/033326.htm>. March 2, 2004.

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