During 1898-1930 Hispanic Americans are still trying to find their place in the United States of America. Now that the Spanish American War has ended the United States has taken control of more land, which causes the country to reevaluate the territories they already had; some such as New Mexico became states. Of all the states in the United States New Mexico stood out as in area full of Hispanic Americans whose presence itself propelled them in society. During this time period Hispanic Americans face the same difficulties as many other Americans such as labor unrest and the rise of new political leaders. However, unlike some Americans, Hispanic Americans along with other minorities were discriminated against in various forms. During this time Hispanic Americans fought back with the creation of the League of United Latin Americans, passage of several laws, and labor strikes. There success in these movements were largely dependent on the willingness of Hispanic Americans to work together for the betterment of all. This history of Hispanic Americans during this period help define who Hispanic Americans are today.
Section 10: Educational Rights of Children of Spanish Descent
"Children of Spanish descent in the state of New Mexico shall never be denied the right and privilege of admission and attendance in the public schools or other public educational institutions of the state, and they shall never be classed in separate schools, but shall forever enjoy perfect equality with other children in all public schools and educational institutions of the state, and the legislature shall provide penalties for the violation of this section. This section shall never be amended except upon a vote of the people of this state, in an election at which at least three-fourths of the electors voting in the whole state and at least two-thirds of those voting in each county in the state shall vote for such amendment"
This is the original front page of the Constitution of the State of New Mexico. On October 3, 1910, convention delegates elected gathered in Sante Fe to draft the constitution. It was later approved by voters and signed by President Taft. It was written to officially declare New Mexico as a state within the United States of America. The guidelines made for this state made for New Mexico are significant in which they contain pieces like the expert above that protect Hispanic-Americans from discrimination. New Mexico becomes a state known for its high population of Hispanic Americans and the influence those people have there regarding every aspect of the government of the United States of America.
"Children of Spanish descent in the state of New Mexico shall never be denied the right and privilege of admission and attendance in the public schools or other public educational institutions of the state, and they shall never be classed in separate schools, but shall forever enjoy perfect equality with other children in all public schools and educational institutions of the state, and the legislature shall provide penalties for the violation of this section. This section shall never be amended except upon a vote of the people of this state, in an election at which at least three-fourths of the electors voting in the whole state and at least two-thirds of those voting in each county in the state shall vote for such amendment"
This is the original front page of the Constitution of the State of New Mexico. On October 3, 1910, convention delegates elected gathered in Sante Fe to draft the constitution. It was later approved by voters and signed by President Taft. It was written to officially declare New Mexico as a state within the United States of America. The guidelines made for this state made for New Mexico are significant in which they contain pieces like the expert above that protect Hispanic-Americans from discrimination. New Mexico becomes a state known for its high population of Hispanic Americans and the influence those people have there regarding every aspect of the government of the United States of America.
This pictures shows the Truckee-Carson District Facility Yard that was a part of the Reclamation Act of 1902. This picture was taken in 1902 in Fallon, Churchill County, Nevada. The Reclamation Act allowed the federal government to fund public land sales to provide money for land development projects in the Western part of the United States. Those public lands were mostly distributed to Mexican Americans that wished to live and work on the irrigation projects there. However, the lack of success of the Reclamation Act has left those Mexican Americans struggling to maintain their presence and work on that land. This adds to the history of the fight against the very presence of Hispanic Americans in the United States whether they are benefiting society or not.
This is a picture of Octaviano Ambrosio Larrazolo, the senator of New Mexico. It was taken in New Mexico
This demonstrates the growing amount of Hispanic American influence during this era. Their influence was so great that they elected the first Hispanic American into the Senate during this time. The historical significance of Hispanic Americans is attained in this very photograph because it shows their early presence in the United States government that confirms they are very much apart of America and their ideas and values should be expressed and considered.
In this picture we see the remains to the Ludlow Massacre. The Ludlow Massacre occurred when the Colorado National Guard and Colorado Fuel and Iron Company attacked coal miners and their families who were striking against low pay and awful working conditions. The coal miners made up a diverse bunch; it included several Mexican Americans, Hispanic Americans, and immigrants from all over. This event occurred on April 24, 1914 in Ludlow, Colorado. This photograph demonstrates the prejudice towards many immigrants, especially Mexican-Americans in that they were believed to be taking jobs away from "real" Americans.This picture further explains the historical significance because this massacre went down as the bloodiest labor battle in United States history and that is very well displayed here.