Civil Rights and Social Movements - Hispanic civil rights

Bracero Program

(1942–1964) Launched during WWII, this guest-worker agreement between the U.S. and Mexico brought millions of Mexican laborers to work on American farms to fill labor shortages. Poor conditions and low wages helped spark the farmworkers' movement.

The Jones Act

Granted U.S. citizenship to Puerto Ricans. Made Puerto Ricans eligible for the military draft. Did not grant statehood or full voting rights. This act is a primary example of how the American state used legislation to manage its Hispanic populations while limiting their political power.

National Farm Worker Association

Founded in 1962 by Cesar Chavez and Dolores Huerta,Organized farmworkers for better wages and working conditions. Later became the United Farm Workers (UFW). utilized community organizing and nonviolent tactics to demand higher wages and better working conditions in the California agricultural industry

Cesar Chavez

Leader of the United Farm Workers (UFW). Used nonviolent protests, strikes, and hunger strikes. Helped win better conditions for farmworkers. leadership of the UFW during the Delano grape strike. His ability to frame the labor struggle as a moral and religious "cause" helped build a broad interracial coalition that pressured the state for labor reforms.

Alianza Federal de Mercedes (Federal Land Grant Alliance)

Led by Reies López Tijerina, this organization sought to reclaim land promised under the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo. Used militant protests to demand land rights. This movement represents the "Red Power" equivalent for Chicanos, focusing on historical land rights and sovereignty.

Chicano student movement

This youth-driven movement emerged in the late 1960s, demanding educational reform. Sought better schools, more Mexican American teachers, and Chicano Studies, promoted Chicano identity and pride in cultural heritage, and symbolized growing youth activism. Embraced their indigenous roots and cultural heritage through the concept of "Aztlán."

Sal Castro

Teacher who helped organize the 1968 East L.A. Walkouts. Fought for equal education for Mexican American students. Inspired student activism. His leadership illustrates the vital role that educators played in fostering political consciousness and mobilizing the next generation of Hispanic civil rights leaders.

La Raza Unida Party (LRUP)

Founded in 1970 Political party promoting Mexican American representation. Ran Chicano candidates in local and state elections. Shifted the movement toward political power.

Young Lords Organization (YLO)

Puerto Rican activist group modeled after the Black Panthers. Primarily located in NYC and Chicago. Fought for better housing, healthcare, and community services. Advocated Puerto Rican self-determination.

COINTEL

FBI’s Counterintelligence Program (COINTELPRO) FBI program that surveilled and disrupted activist groups. Targeted organizations like the Young Lords and Brown Berets. Example of government opposition to militant civil rights movements.Used illegal methods to weaken their leadership and cause internal division.

Hart-Cellar Act (1965)

This federal law replaced the racially biased national origins quota that prioritized family reunification and skilled immigrants. Immigration limits on the Western Hemisphere, contributing to undocumented immigration.