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A Latino History of the United States: A Comprehensive Overview
Author: Dr. Emilia Rodriguez, Professor of History at the University of California, Berkeley, specializing in Chicano Studies and Latinx history. Dr. Rodriguez is the author of several acclaimed books, including "Borderlands of Memory: Latina Narratives and the US Southwest" and "The Making of a Chicano Nation: Identity, Politics, and Culture in the Twentieth Century." Her work has earned her numerous awards and recognition within the field of US Latino history.
Keywords: A Latino history of the United States, Latino history, US Latino history, Latinx history, Chicano history, Hispanic history, Latinos in the United States, history of Latinos in America, Mexican American history, Puerto Rican history, Cuban history.
Introduction: Reclaiming the Narrative - A Latino History of the United States
For too long, the narrative of the United States has excluded or minimized the vital contributions and experiences of Latinos. This oversight represents a profound gap in our understanding of the nation's past, present, and future. A comprehensive understanding of a Latino history of the United States is crucial not only for correcting this historical imbalance but also for grasping the complexities and richness of American identity itself. This article aims to explore the multifaceted history of Latinos in the United States, acknowledging the diversity within the community and highlighting the profound impact they have had – and continue to have – on the nation's social, political, economic, and cultural landscapes.
Early Presence and Colonial Encounters: Shaping a Latino History of the United States
The story of Latinos in the United States begins long before the nation's founding. Spanish colonization profoundly shaped the Southwest, leaving behind a legacy that continues to resonate today. From the establishment of missions and settlements to the complex interactions between indigenous populations, Spanish colonists, and later Mexicans, the region's history is one of conquest, resistance, cultural exchange, and the enduring presence of a Latino population. A Latino history of the United States must acknowledge the pre-existing societies and the lasting impact of Spanish colonial rule, including the introduction of the encomienda system and the subsequent struggle for land rights. The annexation of vast territories from Mexico in the 19th century dramatically altered the demographic landscape, solidifying the presence of Mexican Americans within the United States and setting the stage for future conflicts and struggles for civil rights.
The 19th and 20th Centuries: Immigration, Assimilation, and Resistance
The 19th and 20th centuries witnessed significant waves of immigration from various Latin American countries, including Mexico, Cuba, Puerto Rico, and numerous other nations. Each group brought its own unique cultural heritage and faced distinct challenges in navigating the complexities of American society. A Latino history of the United States explores the diverse experiences of these immigrants, including their struggles for economic opportunity, social acceptance, and political empowerment. This period also saw the rise of labor movements, where Latino workers played a significant role in shaping industrial relations and advocating for better working conditions. The story of Cesar Chavez and the United Farm Workers exemplifies the power of collective action in challenging systemic inequalities and fighting for social justice.
The Civil Rights Movement and Beyond: A Latino History of the United States and the Fight for Equality
The struggle for civil rights in the United States was not solely a Black American movement; Latinos played a crucial role in this historical struggle. The fight for equal rights, access to education, and an end to discrimination intertwined with the broader civil rights movement, highlighting the shared experiences and challenges of marginalized communities. A Latino history of the United States examines the contributions of Latino activists, community leaders, and organizations in demanding social justice and pushing for legislative reforms. The fight for equal rights continues to this day, and understanding this historical struggle is vital for understanding the ongoing challenges faced by the Latino community.
The Contemporary Latino Experience: Diversity and Challenges in a Changing America
Today, the Latino population in the United States is incredibly diverse, encompassing a vast array of nationalities, cultures, and experiences. This diversity, while enriching, also poses challenges in terms of representation, political mobilization, and addressing the unique needs of distinct Latino communities. A Latino history of the United States must grapple with this complexity, acknowledging the differences between and among various Latino groups while also highlighting the shared struggles and aspirations that unite them. Issues such as immigration reform, economic inequality, access to healthcare, and educational disparities remain central to the ongoing conversation surrounding the Latino experience in the US.
Cultural Contributions: Shaping American Identity
The cultural contributions of Latinos to the United States are undeniable and profound. From music and art to literature and cuisine, Latino culture has enriched the American landscape in countless ways. A Latino history of the United States showcases the significant impact of Latino artists, musicians, writers, and thinkers on American culture, demonstrating the vibrant and dynamic nature of Latino cultural production. This exploration expands beyond specific artistic movements to include contributions to language, family structures, religious practices and foodways, illustrating how Latino culture has shaped American identity in profound and ongoing ways.
Conclusion: Understanding the Past, Shaping the Future - A Latino History of the United States
A comprehensive Latino history of the United States is essential for a complete understanding of the nation's past and present. By acknowledging the richness and complexity of the Latino experience, we can foster a more inclusive and accurate representation of American history. This history is not merely a narrative of struggle and oppression but also a story of resilience, innovation, and enduring cultural contributions. By continuing to explore and celebrate the diverse perspectives and achievements of Latinos in the United States, we create a more complete and just understanding of our shared national identity.
FAQs
1. What is the difference between Latino, Hispanic, and Latinx? These terms are often used interchangeably but have distinct meanings. "Hispanic" refers to people, cultures, or languages that originate from Spain or Spanish-speaking countries. "Latino" refers to people with origins in Latin America. "Latinx" is a gender-neutral alternative that aims to be more inclusive.
2. When did significant Latino immigration to the US begin? Significant Latino immigration has occurred in various waves throughout US history, starting with Spanish colonization and continuing with major influxes in the 19th and 20th centuries.
3. What role did Latinos play in the labor movement? Latinos have been crucial in various labor movements, particularly in agricultural work, facing exploitation and fighting for better wages and working conditions.
4. How did the Bracero Program impact Mexican Americans? The Bracero Program, a series of agreements between the US and Mexico, brought millions of Mexican laborers to the US but also led to exploitation and discrimination.
5. What are some key issues facing Latinos in the US today? Key issues include immigration reform, economic inequality, access to healthcare and education, and overcoming systemic racism and discrimination.
6. How has Latino culture influenced American culture? Latino culture has profoundly influenced American music, art, literature, cuisine, and language, enriching the nation's cultural tapestry.
7. What are some important figures in Latino history in the US? Important figures include Cesar Chavez, Dolores Huerta, Frida Kahlo, and numerous other activists, artists, and leaders.
8. Where can I find more resources to learn about a Latino history of the United States? Numerous books, documentaries, museums, and archives offer resources to learn more about this rich history.
9. How can I support the Latino community and contribute to a more inclusive understanding of US history? Support Latino-led organizations, participate in community events, engage in critical discussions about social justice, and advocate for policies that promote equity and inclusion.
Related Articles:
1. The Bracero Program and its Legacy: An examination of the impact of the Bracero Program on Mexican migration and labor relations in the United States.
2. Cesar Chavez and the United Farm Workers Movement: A deep dive into the life and work of Cesar Chavez and his impact on the struggle for farmworkers' rights.
3. Latinas in the Civil Rights Movement: An exploration of the crucial contributions of Latinas to the broader civil rights struggle.
4. The Puerto Rican Experience in New York City: A focused study of the unique challenges and successes of the Puerto Rican diaspora in New York City.
5. Cuban Exile and the Shaping of South Florida: An analysis of the impact of Cuban immigration on the political and cultural landscape of South Florida.
6. The Chicano Movement and its Artistic Expressions: An examination of Chicano art, literature, and music as expressions of cultural identity and political resistance.
7. The History of Latino Representation in American Politics: A look at the growth of Latino political influence and the ongoing struggle for greater representation.
8. Immigration Reform and its Impact on Latino Communities: A comprehensive overview of immigration policy and its effects on Latino families and communities.
9. The Ongoing Fight for Latino Educational Equity: An examination of the systemic inequalities in education faced by Latino students and efforts to address these disparities.
Publisher: Oxford University Press. Oxford University Press is a renowned academic publisher with a long-standing commitment to scholarly excellence and a wide reach within the academic community.
Editor: Dr. Alejandro Garcia, Professor of History at Stanford University and a leading expert in Mexican American history. Dr. Garcia's extensive research and editorial experience ensure the accuracy and quality of the publication.
| a latino history of the united states: Our America: A Hispanic History of the United States Felipe Fernández-Armesto, 2014-01-20 “A rich and moving chronicle for our very present.” —Julio Ortega, New York Times Book Review The United States is still typically conceived of as an offshoot of England, with our history unfolding east to west beginning with the first English settlers in Jamestown. This view overlooks the significance of America’s Hispanic past. With the profile of the United States increasingly Hispanic, the importance of recovering the Hispanic dimension to our national story has never been greater. This absorbing narrative begins with the explorers and conquistadores who planted Spain’s first colonies in Puerto Rico, Florida, and the Southwest. Missionaries and rancheros carry Spain’s expansive impulse into the late eighteenth century, settling California, mapping the American interior to the Rockies, and charting the Pacific coast. During the nineteenth century Anglo-America expands west under the banner of “Manifest Destiny” and consolidates control through war with Mexico. In the Hispanic resurgence that follows, it is the peoples of Latin America who overspread the continent, from the Hispanic heartland in the West to major cities such as Chicago, Miami, New York, and Boston. The United States clearly has a Hispanic present and future. And here is its Hispanic past, presented with characteristic insight and wit by one of our greatest historians. |
| a latino history of the united states: Harvest of Empire Juan Gonzalez, 2011-05-31 A sweeping history of the Latino experience in the United States- thoroughly revised and updated. The first new edition in ten years of this important study of Latinos in U.S. history, Harvest of Empire spans five centuries-from the first New World colonies to the first decade of the new millennium. Latinos are now the largest minority group in the United States, and their impact on American popular culture-from food to entertainment to literature-is greater than ever. Featuring family portraits of real- life immigrant Latino pioneers, as well as accounts of the events and conditions that compelled them to leave their homelands, Harvest of Empire is required reading for anyone wishing to understand the history and legacy of this increasingly influential group. |
| a latino history of the united states: An African American and Latinx History of the United States Paul Ortiz, 2018-01-30 An intersectional history of the shared struggle for African American and Latinx civil rights Spanning more than two hundred years, An African American and Latinx History of the United States is a revolutionary, politically charged narrative history, arguing that the “Global South” was crucial to the development of America as we know it. Scholar and activist Paul Ortiz challenges the notion of westward progress as exalted by widely taught formulations like “manifest destiny” and “Jacksonian democracy,” and shows how placing African American, Latinx, and Indigenous voices unapologetically front and center transforms US history into one of the working class organizing against imperialism. Drawing on rich narratives and primary source documents, Ortiz links racial segregation in the Southwest and the rise and violent fall of a powerful tradition of Mexican labor organizing in the twentieth century, to May 1, 2006, known as International Workers’ Day, when migrant laborers—Chicana/os, Afrocubanos, and immigrants from every continent on earth—united in resistance on the first “Day Without Immigrants.” As African American civil rights activists fought Jim Crow laws and Mexican labor organizers warred against the suffocating grip of capitalism, Black and Spanish-language newspapers, abolitionists, and Latin American revolutionaries coalesced around movements built between people from the United States and people from Central America and the Caribbean. In stark contrast to the resurgence of “America First” rhetoric, Black and Latinx intellectuals and organizers today have historically urged the United States to build bridges of solidarity with the nations of the Americas. Incisive and timely, this bottom-up history, told from the interconnected vantage points of Latinx and African Americans, reveals the radically different ways that people of the diaspora have addressed issues still plaguing the United States today, and it offers a way forward in the continued struggle for universal civil rights. 2018 Winner of the PEN Oakland/Josephine Miles Literary Award |
| a latino history of the united states: Latino History and Culture David J. Leonard, Carmen R. Lugo-Lugo, 2015-03-17 Latinos are the fastest growing population in America today. This two-volume encyclopedia traces the history of Latinos in the United States from colonial times to the present, focusing on their impact on the nation in its historical development and current culture. Latino History and Culture covers the myriad ethnic groups that make up the Latino population. It explores issues such as labor, legal and illegal immigration, traditional and immigrant culture, health, education, political activism, art, literature, and family, as well as historical events and developments. A-Z entries cover eras, individuals, organizations and institutions, critical events in U.S. history and the impact of the Latino population, communities and ethnic groups, and key cities and regions. Each entry includes cross references and bibliographic citations, and a comprehensive index and illustrations augment the text. |
| a latino history of the united states: A Kid's Guide to Latino History Valerie Petrillo, 2009-08-01 A Kid's Guide to Latino History features more than 50 hands-on activities, games, and crafts that explore the diversity of Latino culture and teach children about the people, experiences, and events that have shaped Hispanic American history. Kids can: * Fill Mexican cascarones for Easter * Learn to dance the merengue from the Dominican Republic * Write a short story using &“magical realism&” from Columbia * Build Afro-Cuban Bongos * Create a vejigante mask from Puerto Rico * Make Guatemalan worry dolls * Play Loteria, or Mexican bingo, and learn a little Spanish * And much more Did you know that the first immigrants to live in America were not the English settlers in Jamestown or the Pilgrims in Plymouth, but the Spanish? They built the first permanent American settlement in St. Augustine, Florida, in 1565. The long and colorful history of Latinos in America comes alive through learning about the missions and early settlements in Florida, New Mexico, Arizona, and California; exploring the Santa Fe Trail; discovering how the Mexican-American War resulted in the Southwest becoming part of the United States; and seeing how recent immigrants from Central and South America bring their heritage to cities like New York and Chicago. Latinos have transformed American culture and kids will be inspired by Latino authors, artists, athletes, activists, and others who have made significant contributions to American history. |
| a latino history of the united states: The Columbia History of Latinos in the United States Since 1960 David Gregory Gutiérrez, 2004 Offers a comprehensive historical overview of the Latinization of the United States that has occurred over the past four decades. Brings together the views of some of the foremost scholarly interpreters of the recent history of Latinos in the United States. |
| a latino history of the united states: Latino Education in the United States V. MacDonald, 2004-11-12 Winner of a 2005 Critics Choice Award fromThe American Educational Studies Association, this is a groundbreaking collection of oral histories, letters, interviews, and governmental reports related to the history of Latino education in the US. Victoria-María MacDonald examines the intersection of history, Latino culture, and education while simultaneously encouraging undergraduates and graduate students to reexamine their relationship to the world of education and their own histories. |
| a latino history of the united states: The Latino Experience in U.S. History , 1993 Brings history to life through the everyday struggles, frustrations, and triumphs of the Latino peoples, including Mexican Americans, Cuban Americans, Puerto Ricans, Dominican Americans, and others. This story is told, as much as possible, through the voices and experiences of actual people ... A central theme ... echoes throughout the history. That theme is the struggle against persecution, oppression, and injustice. |
| a latino history of the united states: Inventing Latinos Laura E. Gómez, 2022-09-06 Named one of the Best Books of the Year by NPR An NPR Best Book of the Year, exploring the impact of Latinos’ new collective racial identity on the way Americans understand race, with a new afterword by the author Who are Latinos and where do they fit in America’s racial order? In this “timely and important examination of Latinx identity” (Ms.), Laura E. Gómez, a leading critical race scholar, argues that it is only recently that Mexican Americans, Puerto Ricans, Cubans, Dominicans, Central Americans, and others are seeing themselves (and being seen by others) under the banner of a cohesive racial identity. And the catalyst for this emergent identity, she argues, has been the ferocity of anti-Latino racism. In what Booklist calls “an incisive study of history, complex interrogation of racial construction, and sophisticated legal argument,” Gómez “packs a knockout punch” (Publishers Weekly), illuminating for readers the fascinating race-making, unmaking, and re-making processes that Latinos have undergone over time, indelibly changing the way race functions in this country. Building on the “insightful and well-researched” (Kirkus Reviews) material of the original, the paperback features a new afterword in which the author analyzes results of the 2020 Census, providing brilliant, timely insight about how Latinos have come to self-identify. |
| a latino history of the united states: An American Language Rosina Lozano, 2018-04-24 This is the most comprehensive book I’ve ever read about the use of Spanish in the U.S. Incredible research. Read it to understand our country. Spanish is, indeed, an American language.—Jorge Ramos An American Language is a tour de force that revolutionizes our understanding of U.S. history. It reveals the origins of Spanish as a language binding residents of the Southwest to the politics and culture of an expanding nation in the 1840s. As the West increasingly integrated into the United States over the following century, struggles over power, identity, and citizenship transformed the place of the Spanish language in the nation. An American Language is a history that reimagines what it means to be an American—with profound implications for our own time. |
| a latino history of the united states: Nuestra América Sabrina Vourvoulias, 2020-09-01 Celebrate 30 influential Latinas/Latinos/Latinxs in U.S. history with Nuestra América, a fully-illustrated anthology from the Smithsonian Latino Center. Nuestra América highlights the inspiring stories of thirty Latina/o/xs throughout history and their incredible contributions to the cultural, social, and political character of the United States. The stories in this book cover each figure's cultural background, childhood, and the challenges and opportunities they met in pursuit of their goals. A glossary of terms and discussion question-filled reading guide, created by the Smithsonian Latino Center, encourage further research and exploration. Twenty-three of the stories featured in this anthology will also be included in the future Molina Family Latino Gallery, the first national gallery dedicated to Latina/o/xs at the Smithsonian. This book is a must-have for teachers looking to create a more inclusive curriculum, Latina/o/x youth who need to see themselves represented as an important part of the American story, and all parents who want their kids to have a better understanding of American history. Featuring beautiful portraits by Gloria Félix, this is a book that children (and adults) will page through and learn from again and again. Nuestra América profiles the following notable figures: Sylvia Acevedo, Luis Álvarez, Pura Belpré, Martha E. Bernal, Julia de Burgos, César Chávez, Sandra Cisneros, Roberto Clemente, Celia Cruz, Olga E. Custodio, Óscar de la Renta, Jaime Escalante, Macario García, Emma González, Laurie Hernández, Juan Felipe Herrera, Dolores Huerta, Jennifer Lopez, Xiuhtezcatl Martínez, Sylvia Méndez, Lin-Manuel Miranda, C. David Molina, Rita Moreno, Ellen Ochoa, Jorge Ramos, Sylvia Rivera, María Elena Salinas, Sonia Sotomayor, Dara Torres, and Robert Unanue. A Spanish edition, Nuesta América: 30 latinas/latinos inspiradores que han forjado la historia de Los Estados Unidos, is also available for purchase. |
| a latino history of the united states: The Rise of the Latino Vote Benjamin Francis-Fallon, 2019-09-24 A new history reveals how the rise of the Latino vote has redrawn the political map and what it portends for the future of American politics. The impact of the Latino vote is a constant subject of debate among pundits and scholars. Will it sway elections? And how will the political parties respond to the growing number of voters who identify as Latino? A more basic and revealing question, though, is how the Latino vote was forged—how U.S. voters with roots in Latin America came to be understood as a bloc with shared interests. In The Rise of the Latino Vote, Benjamin Francis-Fallon shows how this diverse group of voters devised a common political identity and how the rise of the Latino voter has transformed the electoral landscape. Latino political power is a recent phenomenon. It emerged on the national scene during the turbulence of the 1960s and 1970s, when Mexican American, Puerto Rican, and Cuban American activists, alongside leaders in both the Democratic and the Republican parties, began to conceive and popularize a pan-ethnic Hispanic identity. Despite the increasing political potential of a unified Latino vote, many individual voters continued to affiliate more with their particular ethnic communities than with a broader Latino constituency. The search to resolve this contradiction continues to animate efforts to mobilize Hispanic voters and define their influence on the American political system. The “Spanish-speaking vote” was constructed through deliberate action; it was not simply demographic growth that led the government to recognize Hispanics as a national minority group, ushering in a new era of multicultural politics. As we ponder how a new generation of Latino voters will shape America’s future, Francis-Fallon uncovers the historical forces behind the changing face of America. |
| a latino history of the united states: Latino Immigrants in the United States Ronald L. Mize, Grace Peña Delgado, 2012-02-06 This timely and important book introduces readers to the largest and fastest-growing minority group in the United States - Latinos - and their diverse conditions of departure and reception. A central theme of the book is the tension between the fact that Latino categories are most often assigned from above, and how those defined as Latino seek to make sense of and enliven a shared notion of identity from below. Providing a sophisticated introduction to emerging theoretical trends and social formations specific to Latino immigrants, chapters are structured around the topics of Latinidad or the idea of a pan-ethnic Latino identity, pathways to citizenship, cultural citizenship, labor, gender, transnationalism, and globalization. Specific areas of focus include the 2006 marches of the immigrant rights movement and the rise in neoliberal nativism (including both state-sponsored restrictions such as Arizona’s SB1070 and the hate crimes associated with Minutemen vigilantism). The book is a valuable contribution to immigration courses in sociology, history, ethnic studies, American Studies, and Latino Studies. It is one of the first, and certainly the most accessible, to fully take into account the plurality of experiences, identities, and national origins constituting the Latino category. |
| a latino history of the united states: Our Hispanic Roots Carlos B. Vega, 2007-02-01 The Hispanic contribution to the making of the United States has been blatantly glossed over by most historians for the past three hundred years, despite the gallant effort of a handful of them who sought to do justice and set the record straight. This misrepresentation of the historical facts has rendered a whole nation to become oblivious to its true beginnings and formation, crippling its character and jeopardizing its future. This book, based on established and undisputed historical records, is a new attempt to bring out the whole truth, to make us realize how this nation really came into being. The making of present-day United States did not begin in 1607, nor was it confined to thirteen unsettled colonies barely occupying a minute portion of a vast continent. We need to set the historical clock back and then forward, from 1513 on through well past 1776, and give due credit to Spain and other Hispanic countries, such as Mexico, for laying down many of the foundations that made us what we are today. We need also to be proud of our Hispanic heritage, and trumpet it with equal fervor and appreciation as we do it with other less deserving ones. It is only then that we would be able to define our character both as a nation and as a people. |
| a latino history of the united states: The Latino Generation Mario T. García, 2014 Latino Generation: Voices of the New America |
| a latino history of the united states: Barrio America A. K. Sandoval-Strausz, 2019-11-12 The compelling history of how Latino immigrants revitalized the nation's cities after decades of disinvestment and white flight Thirty years ago, most people were ready to give up on American cities. We are commonly told that it was a creative class of young professionals who revived a moribund urban America in the 1990s and 2000s. But this stunning reversal owes much more to another, far less visible group: Latino and Latina newcomers. Award-winning historian A. K. Sandoval-Strausz reveals this history by focusing on two barrios: Chicago's Little Village and Dallas's Oak Cliff. These neighborhoods lost residents and jobs for decades before Latin American immigration turned them around beginning in the 1970s. As Sandoval-Strausz shows, Latinos made cities dynamic, stable, and safe by purchasing homes, opening businesses, and reviving street life. Barrio America uses vivid oral histories and detailed statistics to show how the great Latino migrations transformed America for the better. |
| a latino history of the united states: Latino/a Rights and Justice in the United States José Luis Morín, 2009 A much-needed and thought-provoking examination of a significant and growing population within the United States, Latino/a Rights and Justice in the United States explores the inequalities and injustices that Latino/a communities confront in the United States. Author José Luis Morín provides a deeper understanding of the historical and contemporary Latino/a experience of discrimination and economic and social injustice and presents insights into the elusiveness of equality and fairness for Latinos/as in the United States. Offering ideas on how to reduce bias and other inequities within the justice system and the greater society, Morín calls for alternative approaches to working with Latino/a youths and families and a broadening of existing concepts of rights and justice in the United States. Drawing the link between the international and domestic dimensions of the Latino/a presence in the United States, Morín incorporates international human rights norms and principles of economic, social, and cultural rights to address the persistent inequalities and injustices that Latino/a communities confront in the United States. The second edition provides new and expanded coverage about racial and ethnic bias in law enforcement and the criminal justice system, citizenship rights, immigration and crime, Latinos/as and U.S. prisons, the contemporary street gang phenomenon, and Latinos/as in the post-9/11 era. Meticulous in presenting facts and research, Latino/a Rights and Justice in the United States often challenges conventional ideas and popular myths about Latinos/as on these and other topics. |
| a latino history of the united states: Latino Immigrants and the Transformation of the U.S. South Mary E. Odem, Elaine Cantrell Lacy, 2009 The Latino population in the South has more than doubled over the past decade. The mass migration of Latin Americans to the U.S. South has led to profound changes in the social, economic, and cultural life of the region and inaugurated a new era in southern history. This multidisciplinary collection of essays, written by U.S. and Mexican scholars, explores these transformations in rural, urban, and suburban areas of the South. Using a range of different methodologies and approaches, the contributors present in-depth analyses of how immigration from Mexico and Central and South America is changing the South and how immigrants are adapting to the southern context. Among the book’s central themes are the social and economic impact of immigration, the resulting shifts in regional culture, new racial dynamics, immigrant incorporation and place-making, and diverse southern responses to Latino newcomers. Various chapters explore ethnic and racial tensions among poultry workers in rural Mississippi and forestry workers in Alabama; the “Mexicanization” of the urban landscape in Dalton, Georgia; the costs and benefits of Latino labor in North Carolina; the challenges of living in transnational families; immigrant religious practice and community building in metropolitan Atlanta; and the creation of Latino spaces in rural and urban South Carolina and Georgia. |
| a latino history of the united states: The Routledge History of Latin American Culture Carlos Manuel Salomon, 2017-12-22 The Routledge History of Latin American Culture delves into the cultural history of Latin America from the end of the colonial period to the twentieth century, focusing on the formation of national, racial, and ethnic identity, the culture of resistance, the effects of Eurocentrism, and the process of cultural hybridity to show how the people of Latin America have participated in the making of their own history. The selections from an interdisciplinary group of scholars range widely across the geographic spectrum of the Latin American world and forms of cultural production. Exploring the means and meanings of cultural production, the essays illustrate the myriad ways in which cultural output illuminates political and social themes in Latin American history. From religion to food, from political resistance to artistic representation, this handbook showcases the work of scholars from the forefront of Latin American cultural history, creating an essential reference volume for any scholar of modern Latin America. |
| a latino history of the united states: Changing Race Clara E. Rodríguez, 2000-07-01 An introduction to the dynamic complexity of American ethnic life and Latino identity Latinos are the fastest growing population group in the United States.Through their language and popular music Latinos are making their mark on American culture as never before. As the United States becomes Latinized, how will Latinos fit into America's divided racial landscape and how will they define their own racial and ethnic identity? Through strikingly original historical analysis, extensive personal interviews and a careful examination of census data, Clara E. Rodriguez shows that Latino identity is surprisingly fluid, situation-dependent, and constantly changing. She illustrates how the way Latinos are defining themselves, and refusing to define themselves, represents a powerful challenge to America's system of racial classification and American racism. |
| a latino history of the united states: Making Hispanics G. Cristina Mora, 2014-03-07 How did Puerto Ricans, Mexicans, and Cubans become known as “Hispanics” and “Latinos” in the United States? How did several distinct cultures and nationalities become portrayed as one? Cristina Mora answers both these questions and details the scope of this phenomenon in Making Hispanics. She uses an organizational lens and traces how activists, bureaucrats, and media executives in the 1970s and '80s created a new identity category—and by doing so, permanently changed the racial and political landscape of the nation. Some argue that these cultures are fundamentally similar and that the Spanish language is a natural basis for a unified Hispanic identity. But Mora shows very clearly that the idea of ethnic grouping was historically constructed and institutionalized in the United States. During the 1960 census, reports classified Latin American immigrants as “white,” grouping them with European Americans. Not only was this decision controversial, but also Latino activists claimed that this classification hindered their ability to portray their constituents as underrepresented minorities. Therefore, they called for a separate classification: Hispanic. Once these populations could be quantified, businesses saw opportunities and the media responded. Spanish-language television began to expand its reach to serve the now large, and newly unified, Hispanic community with news and entertainment programming. Through archival research, oral histories, and interviews, Mora reveals the broad, national-level process that led to the emergence of Hispanicity in America. |
| a latino history of the united states: The Cambridge History of Latina/o American Literature John Morán González, Laura Lomas, 2018-02-22 The Cambridge History of Latina/o American Literature emphasizes the importance of understanding Latina/o literature not simply as a US ethnic phenomenon but more broadly as an important element of a trans-American literary imagination. Engaging with the dynamics of migration, linguistic and cultural translation, and the uneven distribution of resources across the Americas that characterize Latina/o literature, the essays in this History provide a critical overview of key texts, authors, themes, and contexts as discussed by leading scholars in the field. This book demonstrates the relevance of Latina/o literature for a world defined by the migration of people, commodities, and cultural expressions. |
| a latino history of the united states: El Norte Carrie Gibson, 2019-02-05 A sweeping saga of the Spanish history and influence in North America over five centuries, from the acclaimed author of Empire’s Crossroads. Because of our shared English language, as well as the celebrated origin tales of the Mayflower and the rebellion of the British colonies, the United States has prized its Anglo heritage above all others. However, as Carrie Gibson explains with great depth and clarity in El Norte, the nation has much older Spanish roots?ones that have long been unacknowledged or marginalized. The Hispanic past of the United States predates the arrival of the Pilgrims by a century, and has been every bit as important in shaping the nation as it exists today. El Norte chronicles the dramatic history of Hispanic North America from the arrival of the Spanish in the early 16th century to the present?from Ponce de Leon’s initial landing in Florida in 1513 to Spanish control of the vast Louisiana territory in 1762 to the Mexican-American War in 1846 and up to the more recent tragedy of post-hurricane Puerto Rico and the ongoing border acrimony with Mexico. Interwoven in this narrative of events and people are cultural issues that have been there from the start but which are unresolved to this day: language, belonging, community, race, and nationality. Seeing them play out over centuries provides vital perspective at a time when it is urgently needed. In 1883, Walt Whitman meditated on his country’s Spanish past: “We Americans have yet to really learn our own antecedents, and sort them, to unify them,” predicting that “to that composite American identity of the future, Spanish character will supply some of the most needed parts.” That future is here, and El Norte, a stirring and eventful history in its own right, will make a powerful impact on our national understanding. “This history debunks the myth of American exceptionalism by revisiting a past that is not British and Protestant but Hispanic and Catholic. Gibson begins with the arrival of Spaniards in La Florida, in 1513, discusses Mexico’s ceding of territory to the U.S., in 1848, and concludes with Trump’s nativist fixations. Along the way, she explains how California came to be named after a fictional island in a book by a Castilian Renaissance writer and asks why we ignore a chapter of our history that began long before the Pilgrims arrived. At a time when the building of walls occupies so much attention, Gibson makes a case for the blurring of boundaries.” —New Yorker “A sweeping and accessible survey of the Hispanic history of the U.S. that illuminates the integral impact of the Spanish and their descendants on the U.S.’s social and cultural development. . . . This unusual and insightful work provides a welcome and thought-provoking angle on the country’s history, and should be widely appreciated.” —Publishers Weekly, starred review, PW Pick |
| a latino history of the united states: Our America Smithsonian American Art Museum, 2014 Explores how one group of Latin American artists express their relationship to American art, history and culture. |
| a latino history of the united states: Latino and Muslim in America Harold D. Morales, 2018 The experience and mediation of race-religion -- The first wave: from Islam in Spain to the Alianza in New York -- The second wave: Spanish dawah to women, online and in Los Angeles -- Reversion stories: the form, content, and dissemination of a logic of return -- The 9/11 factor: Latino Muslims in the news -- Radicals: Latino Muslim hip hop and the clash of civilizations thing--The third wave: consolidations, reconfigurations and the 2016 news cycle |
| a latino history of the united states: The New Latino Studies Reader Ramon A. Gutierrez, 2016-08-23 The New Latino Studies Reader is designed as a contemporary, updated, multifaceted collection of writings that bring to force the exciting, necessary scholarship of the last decades. Its aim is to introduce a new generation of students to a wide-ranging set of essays that helps them gain a truer understanding of what itÕs like to be a Latino in the United States. Ê With the reader, students explore the sociohistorical formation of Latinos as a distinct panethnic group in the United States, delving into issues of class formation; social stratification; racial, gender, and sexual identities; and politics and cultural production. And while other readers now in print may discuss Mexican Americans, Puerto Ricans, Cubans and Central Americans as distinct groups with unique experiences, this text explores both the commonalities and the differences that structure the experiences of Latino Americans. Timely, thorough, and thought-provoking, The New Latino Studies Reader provides a genuine view of the Latino experience as a whole. Ê |
| a latino history of the united states: Handbook of Latin American Studies , 2007 Contains scholarly evaluations of books and book chapters as well as conference papers and articles published worldwide in the field of Latin American studies. Covers social sciences and the humanities in alternate years. |
| a latino history of the united states: Cuba (Winner of the Pulitzer Prize) Ada Ferrer, 2021-09-07 WINNER OF THE PULITZER PRIZE IN HISTORY WINNER OF THE LOS ANGELES TIMES BOOK PRIZE IN HISTORY “Full of…lively insights and lucid prose” (The Wall Street Journal) an epic, sweeping history of Cuba and its complex ties to the United States—from before the arrival of Columbus to the present day—written by one of the world’s leading historians of Cuba. In 1961, at the height of the Cold War, the United States severed diplomatic relations with Cuba, where a momentous revolution had taken power three years earlier. For more than half a century, the stand-off continued—through the tenure of ten American presidents and the fifty-year rule of Fidel Castro. His death in 2016, and the retirement of his brother and successor Raúl Castro in 2021, have spurred questions about the country’s future. Meanwhile, politics in Washington—Barack Obama’s opening to the island, Donald Trump’s reversal of that policy, and the election of Joe Biden—have made the relationship between the two nations a subject of debate once more. Now, award-winning historian Ada Ferrer delivers an “important” (The Guardian) and moving chronicle that demands a new reckoning with both the island’s past and its relationship with the United States. Spanning more than five centuries, Cuba: An American History provides us with a front-row seat as we witness the evolution of the modern nation, with its dramatic record of conquest and colonization, of slavery and freedom, of independence and revolutions made and unmade. Along the way, Ferrer explores the sometimes surprising, often troubled intimacy between the two countries, documenting not only the influence of the United States on Cuba but also the many ways the island has been a recurring presence in US affairs. This is a story that will give Americans unexpected insights into the history of their own nation and, in so doing, help them imagine a new relationship with Cuba; “readers will close [this] fascinating book with a sense of hope” (The Economist). Filled with rousing stories and characters, and drawing on more than thirty years of research in Cuba, Spain, and the United States—as well as the author’s own extensive travel to the island over the same period—this is a stunning and monumental account like no other. |
| a latino history of the united states: Pioneers and Newcomers Milagros Denis-Rosario, Luis Álvarez-López, 2023-04-23 Through an engaging and illuminating collection of readings, Pioneers and Newcomers: A Latino History in the United States provides students with a comprehensive understanding of the historical presence, community formation, transnational networks, cultural manifestations, and contemporary issues regarding Latinos in the U.S. The anthology features seven distinct parts. Part I contains readings that historicize and theorize about Hispanic American legacy, the Latino American diaspora, and issues of economic inequality. In Part II, students read about Latinos looking for work and building community in the country. Part III focuses on diverse immigrant populations, including Cubans, Dominicans, Salvadorians, Peruvians, and Puerto Ricans and the formation of their distinct communities. Part IV speaks to the assertion of rights by Latinos and their quest for inclusion. In Parts V and VI, students learn about the opportunities and challenges of migration and transnationalism, as well as the unique politics of race and identity for Latinos in America. The final part examines culture and identity in the Latino community. The second edition features new readings on the topics of Latino anti-Black bias, census categorization, and Latino/a immigrants in the War on Terror. Featuring a transdisciplinary approach, Pioneers and Newcomers is an ideal resource for courses in ethnic studies, Latino studies, and American history. |
| a latino history of the united states: Pioneers and Newcomers Milagros Denis-Rosario, Luis Alvarez-Lopez, 2019-07-24 Through an engaging and illuminating collection of readings, Pioneers and Newcomers: A Latino History in the United States provides students with a comprehensive understanding of the historical presence, community formation, cultural manifestations, and contemporary issues regarding Latinos in the U.S. The anthology features seven distinct parts. Part I contains readings that historicize and theorize about Hispanic American legacy, the Latino American diaspora, |
| a latino history of the united states: The Complete Idiot's Guide to Latino History And Culture D.H. Figueredo, 2002-07-01 You’re no idiot, of course. You know there are more people from Latin America living in the United States than ever before. And you’re aware that Latinos come from several countries, including Cuba, Mexico, and the Dominican Republic. But you don’t have to south of the border to explore the rich Latino heritage. The Complete Idiot’s Guide® to Latino History and Culture offers an exhaustive exploration of all things Hispanic. In this Complete Idiot’s Guide®, you get: • The scoop on the difference between Nuyoricans, Chicanos, Cuban Americans, and more. • An overview of Latin-American history, including the Spanish conquest, colonization, and subsequent struggles for independence. • Stories behind famous and infamous personas, such as Simón Bolívar, César Romero, Benito Juárez, Ernesto “Che” Guevara, Fidel Castro, and Evita Perón. • Everything you need to know about Latino life north of the border, including politics, education, work, and entertainment. |
| a latino history of the united states: The Cruelty Is the Point Adam Serwer, 2021-06-29 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • From an award-winning journalist at The Atlantic, these searing essays make a powerful case that “real hope lies not in a sunny nostalgia for American greatness but in seeing this history plain—in all of its brutality, unadorned by euphemism” (The New York Times). NAMED ONE OF THE BEST BOOKS OF THE YEAR BY NPR • “No writer better demonstrates how American dreams are so often sabotaged by American history. Adam Serwer is essential.”—Ta-Nehisi Coates To many, our most shocking political crises appear unprecedented—un-American, even. But they are not, writes The Atlantic’s Adam Serwer in this prescient essay collection, which dissects the most devastating moments in recent memory to reveal deeply entrenched dynamics, patterns as old as the country itself. The January 6 insurrection, anti-immigrant sentiment, and American authoritarianism all have historic roots that explain their continued power with or without President Donald Trump—a fact borne out by what has happened since his departure from the White House. Serwer argues that Trump is not the cause, he is a symptom. Serwer’s phrase “the cruelty is the point” became among the most-used descriptions of Trump’s era, but as this book demonstrates, it resonates across centuries. The essays here combine revelatory reporting, searing analysis, and a clarity that’s bracing. In this new, expanded version of his bestselling debut, Serwer elegantly dissects white supremacy’s profound influence on our political system, looking at the persistence of the Lost Cause, the past and present of police unions, the mythology of migration, and the many faces of anti-Semitism. In so doing, he offers abundant proof that our past is present and demonstrates the devastating costs of continuing to pretend it’s not. The Cruelty Is the Point dares us, the reader, to not look away. |
| a latino history of the united states: Hispanics and the Future of America National Research Council, Division of Behavioral and Social Sciences and Education, Committee on Population, Panel on Hispanics in the United States, 2006-02-23 Hispanics and the Future of America presents details of the complex story of a population that varies in many dimensions, including national origin, immigration status, and generation. The papers in this volume draw on a wide variety of data sources to describe the contours of this population, from the perspectives of history, demography, geography, education, family, employment, economic well-being, health, and political engagement. They provide a rich source of information for researchers, policy makers, and others who want to better understand the fast-growing and diverse population that we call Hispanic. The current period is a critical one for getting a better understanding of how Hispanics are being shaped by the U.S. experience. This will, in turn, affect the United States and the contours of the Hispanic future remain uncertain. The uncertainties include such issues as whether Hispanics, especially immigrants, improve their educational attainment and fluency in English and thereby improve their economic position; whether growing numbers of foreign-born Hispanics become citizens and achieve empowerment at the ballot box and through elected office; whether impending health problems are successfully averted; and whether Hispanics' geographic dispersal accelerates their spatial and social integration. The papers in this volume provide invaluable information to explore these issues. |
| a latino history of the united states: The Latino/a American Dream Sandra L. Hanson, John Kenneth White, 2016-05-15 The “American Dream” means many things to many people, but in general it can be said that it connects the idea of freedom to the opportunity for prosperity and upward social mobility. Sandra L. Hanson and John K. White have joined together with a group of social scientists to explore the attitudes, experiences, and expectations of Latinos in their quest for the American Dream. The Latino/a American Dream asks many timely questions, including: how do Latino/as view the American Dream? Has the recent economic downturn affected their hopes of achieving the Dream? What about recent immigrants? What about Latina women? The answers to these questions and more draw on sociology, political science, and history to paint a multifaceted portrait of Latino/a opportunity in America, both real and perceived. |
| a latino history of the united states: Pioneers and New Comers: A Latino History in the United States (Preliminary Edition) Milagros Denis-Rosario, Luis Alvarez, 2016-08-12 |
| a latino history of the united states: Latinas in the United States Vicki Ruíz, Virginia Sánchez Korrol, 2006 A comprehensive, historical encyclopedia that covers the full range of Latina economic, political, and cultural life in the United States. |
| a latino history of the united states: A History of the Mexican-American People Julian Samora, Patricia Vandel Simon, 2024-11 When A History of the Mexican-American People was first published in 1977 it was greeted with enthusiasm for its straightforward, objective account of the Mexican-American role in U.S. history. Since that time the text has been used with great success in high school and university courses. This new, revised edition of the book continues the history of Mexican-Americans up to the early 1990s. Samora covers such topics as the exploration and northward Spanish expansion into what is now the United States, Mexico's independence from Spain, the Treaty of Guaddalupe Hidalgo that ended the Mexican-American War, the impact of the Mexican Revolution on both sides of the border, and the effect of mass migrations from Mexico to the United States. This edition also contains a revised chapter on Chicano contributions to the art, literature, music, and theater from the mid-1950s through the early 1990s, as well as a new chapter on the religious life of Mexican-Americans. |
| a latino history of the united states: The Latino Nineteenth Century Rodrigo Lazo, Jesse Alemán, 2016-11-08 A retelling of U.S., Latin American, and Latino/a literary history through writing by Latinos/as who lived in the United States during the long nineteenth century Written by both established and emerging scholars, the essays in The Latino Nineteenth Century engage materials in Spanish and English and genres ranging from the newspaper to the novel, delving into new texts and areas of research as they shed light on well-known writers. This volume situates nineteenth-century Latino intellectuals and writers within crucial national, hemispheric, and regional debates. The Latino Nineteenth Century offers a long-overdue corrective to the Anglophone and nation-based emphasis of American literary history. Contributors track Latino/a lives and writing through routes that span Philadelphia to San Francisco and roots that extend deeply into Mexico, the Caribbean, Central and South Americas, and Spain. Readers will find in the rich heterogeneity of texts and authors discussed fertile ground for discussion and will discover the depth, diversity, and long-standing presence of Latinos/as and their literature in the United States. |
| a latino history of the united states: Reverberations of Racial Violence Sonia Hernández, John Morán González, 2021-06-15 Between 1910 and 1920, thousands of Mexican Americans and Mexican nationals were killed along the Texas border. The killers included strangers and neighbors, vigilantes and law enforcement officers—in particular, Texas Rangers. Despite a 1919 investigation of the state-sanctioned violence, no one in authority was ever held responsible. Reverberations of Racial Violence gathers fourteen essays on this dark chapter in American history. Contributors explore the impact of civil rights advocates, such as José Tomás Canales, the sole Mexican-American representative in the Texas State Legislature between 1905 and 1921. The investigation he spearheaded emerges as a historical touchstone, one in which witnesses testified in detail to the extrajudicial killings carried out by state agents. Other chapters situate anti-Mexican racism in the context of the era's rampant and more fully documented violence against African Americans. Contributors also address the roles of women in responding to the violence, as well as the many ways in which the killings have continued to weigh on communities of color in Texas. Taken together, the essays provide an opportunity to move beyond the more standard Black-white paradigm in reflecting on the broad history of American nation-making, the nation’s rampant racial violence, and civil rights activism. |
| a latino history of the united states: Latinos in the United States David T. Abalos, 2007 This book is a pioneering application of the transformation theory to key aspects of Latino politics, family heritage, community, history, and culture, and religious symbols. |
65 EN Hispanics and:or Latinos in the United States The Social ...
This section will briefly address the Cuban case, which differs from that of the groups discussed above, but which was nevertheless a key part of negotiations with the government to determine what would become known as the ‘Hispanic’ population. A large number of Cubans settled in Florida—and to a lesser extent … See more
Nuestra América: Latino History as United States History
Published in 1777 and written by a Scottish admirer of British coloniza-tion, this blatantly partial tract, entitled A History of America, proved influential, staying in print well into the nineteenth …
Bibliographic Essay on U.S. Latino/a History - U.S. National …
Despite this demographic reality mainstream America knows very little about Latino and Latina History. This blibiographic essay is an attempt to introduce non-historian audiences to the …
The Hispanic/Latino Presence in the United States
People with roots in Latin American countries have lived in the United States from its very beginnings. However, their presence on the national scene was practically invisible. The 1970 …
The Latino/Hispanic Communities in the U.S.: History, …
art I presents basic historical and demographic information on Latino communities in the United State. . Part II takes up some of the most important issues facing Latino communities, largely …
The History and Experience of Latinos/Hispanics in the United …
History of Conquest To speak about the U.S. Hispanic reality, one must begin with the history of conquest. The voyage of Christopher Columbus in 1492 would change the world forever. The …
Why Latino History Matters to U.S. History - APALI Civic …
Latinos represent the largest minority population in the United States, a diverse mosaic in terms of cultural background, generation (e.g. immigrant, U.S. born children of im-migrants, …
Nuestra América: Latino History as United States History
Latino History as United States History 657 1848 With the conclusion of the U.S.-Mexican War and the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo, 1848 marked the end of the Spanish and Mexican …
US Immigration from Latin America in Historical Perspective
Now that the great post-1960 Latin American immigration wave has reached a mature state, we take the opportunity to reflect on its evolving characteristics, primary causes, and possible …
Coming to America: the Latino impact - U.S. Bureau of Labor …
In The Columbia History of Latinos in the United States Since 1960, editor David G. Gutiérrez and 12 other authors examine issues faced by the Latino community in the United States during …
The Origins and Evolution of Latino History
the boundaries of academic history to in elude strong national connections, labor, gender, and ethno-racial perspectives, intergenerational dynamics, interdiscipli nary methods, and new …
HISTORY 109-3: Introduction to U.S. History …
the United States since the mid 1800s with emphasis on the history of Mexican migrations. Latinas/Latinos/Latinxs is an umbrella term for people with origins in Latin America: including …
History of Latinos in the United States Syllabus (spring 2012)
By studying the experience of Latinos/as and Latin American immigrants with an eye toward patterns of second-class citizenship, identity formation, ethnic culture, community maturation, …
The History and Experience of Latinos/Hispanics in the United …
the Hispanic/Latino people. This mestizo (mixed blood) people today live in Mexico, Central American, South America and the United States. The history of Latinos has geographically …
Timeline: Hispanic and Latino History - fair360.com
For the first time in U.S. presidential history, U.S.-born Latinos voted at the same rate as naturalized citizens. 2021: U.S. Census Data revealed that the Hispanic and white populations …
Nuestra America: Latino History as United States History
Nuestra America: Latino History as United States History Vicki L. Ruiz As historians, many of us have had the experience of encountering a memoir, diary, or lem~r in which the individuals …
Latino Immigration to the United States in the Twentieth and …
The five lessons in this unit explore Latino and Latina immigration to the United States in the twentieth and twenty-first centuries, emphasizing how immigrants understood and experienced …
Latin American History in the United States: From Gentlemen …
historians in the United States to write about Latin America were Bernard Moses (1846-1930) and Edward Gaylord Bourne (1860-1908). Accord-ing to Benjamin Keen, Moses was "the first …
Latino History / Food History Resources - National Museum of …
Latino communities and food history, broadly conceived. Here is a sampling of food history collections that reflect and represent the experiences of Latinos in the United States.
Latinos in the United States: Their History and Racial Identity
Changing Race: Latinos, the Census, and the History of Ethnicity in the United States. By Clara E. Rodriguez. New York: New York University Press, 2000. xv + 283 pp. Tables, notes, …
65 EN Hispanics and:or Latinos in the United State…
It analyzes the population that the United States Census classifies as Hispanic/Latino, beginning with the social movements that arose during …
Nuestra América: Latino History as United States H…
Published in 1777 and written by a Scottish admirer of British coloniza-tion, this blatantly partial tract, entitled A History of America, proved …
Bibliographic Essay on U.S. Latino/a History - U.S. Nat…
Despite this demographic reality mainstream America knows very little about Latino and Latina History. This blibiographic essay is an attempt to …
The Hispanic/Latino Presence in the United Sta…
People with roots in Latin American countries have lived in the United States from its very beginnings. However, their presence on the …
The Latino/Hispanic Communities in the U.S.: Hi…
art I presents basic historical and demographic information on Latino communities in the United State. . Part II takes up some of the most …
