Annotated Timeline: Hispanic Americans

  • The Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo

    The Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo
    A period of time when thousands of Mexicans became U.S. citizens after the Mexican-American War. This was the beginning of forced assimilation into American political, legal, and cultural systems.
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    The Bracero Program

    This program allowed Mexican workers to temporarily work in the United States. This was due to the decrease in workers in the agricultural field, and it sparked the growth in Hispanic communities in the United States, which started assimilation.
  • Operation Wetback

    Operation Wetback
    Operation Wetback was a mass deportation campaign against Mexican immigrants. This increased the pressure on Mexicans to assimilate.
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    The Chicano Movement

    This movement advocated for civil rights, cultural pride, and educational equality for Mexican-Americans.
  • Election of Henry B. González to U.S. Congress

    Election of Henry B. González to U.S. Congress
    Henry B. González was the first Mexican-American elected to the House of Representatives of Texas. This was an important moment of Hispanic political assimilation.
  • Bilingual Education Act

    Bilingual Education Act
    This act helped Spanish-speaking students get a better education when learning English. This was a huge step in educational assimilation.
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    Hispanic Media Growth

    During this time span, there was a huge growth in popular Hispanic TV shows, music, and celebrities. This normalized Hispanic identity and blended cultures.
  • Recognition of Hispanic-Serving Institutions

    Recognition of Hispanic-Serving Institutions
    This recognition of colleges and universities helped a large number of Hispanic students. It supported educational achievement, which was key to assimilation.
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    Growth of Latino Entrepreneurship

    Hispanic Americans have been a fast-growing group of business owners. Created economic assimilation through job creation.
  • Implementation of DACA

    Implementation of DACA
    DACA offered legal protection to undocumented young immigrants and enabled recipients to participate in American education and work.