Mexicans in America (1500s - 1900s) Notes

Overview of Mexicans in America (1500s - 1900s)

• Millions of Mexican immigrants and Mexican Americans today;
• Among the oldest and newest inhabitants of the United States:
  • Oldest due to presence in North & South America before U.S. existence.
  • New due to continued immigration through the 20th century to present.

Cultural Inheritance

• Rich and complex multicultural heritage:
  • Influences from Spain, Mexico, indigenous cultures, and African culture;
  • Shaped by centuries of survival and adaptation.

Immigration Complexities

• Mexican immigration in the U.S. lies at a complicated intersection of:
  • U.S. legal system and public opinion;
  • Fluctuations in immigration law between welcoming and restrictive attitudes.

Demographics

• Mexicans are the largest group of immigrants in the U.S.:
  • Represent about 23% of 47.8 million foreign-born residents as of 2023.

Key Questions for Consideration

• What is New Spain?
• Importance of the annexation of Texas?
• Effects of the Mexican-American War and the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo on Mexican status?
• Understanding of incorporation and its significance for the Mexican community?
• Treatment of new Mexican American citizens.

Historical Context: New Spain

• New Spain governed by Spain since the 1500s:
  • Included modern-day Mexico and Southwestern U.S. states;
  • Dominance of Spaniards but large Mestizo population with mixed Spanish and indigenous backgrounds.

American Settlement in Texas (1820s)

• Mexican government promoted U.S. settlement in Texas:
  • Aimed to boost local economy (cotton cash crop);
  • U.S. settlers increased significantly, leading to conflict and annexation desires.

Annexation of Texas and the Mexican-American War (1845)

• U.S. admitted Texas as a state in 1845 despite it being Mexican territory:

  • Resulted in Mexico declaring war on the U.S.;
  • Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo signed in February 1848 concluded the war:
  • Established the Rio Grande as the U.S.-Mexican border;
  • Mexico ceded about half of its territory to the U.S.

• Implications of the Treaty:

  • Approximately 180,000 Mexicans resided in ceded territories after the war;
  • Most chose to stay due to promised citizenship and property rights within the treaty.

Status of New Mexican Citizens

• Transition from Mexicans in Mexico to U.S. citizens:
  • Argument: They did not immigrate but were incorporated into the U.S.;
  • They went to bed in Mexico, woke up in America.

Treatment of Newly Incorporated Mexicans

• Land ownership issues:

  • Many held land prior to 1848 but faced loss after incorporation;
  • Land claims rejected in courts biased against original owners.

• Tactics leading to land loss:

  • Difficulties in proving ownership under new legal standards;
  • High taxes and challenges led to forced sales of land to English-speaking settlers (WASPs).

• Violent opposition against Mexican Americans:

  • Organization of extra-legal groups like the Ku Klux Klan,
  • Intimidation tactics including lynchings to suppress protest.

Economic Status Post-War

• Many Mexicans forced into low-paying, dangerous jobs:
  • Jobs in mining, the Transcontinental Railroad, and as migrant farm workers;
  • Declining status: Pre-war one-third of Mexicans were farm owners and skilled craftsmen, by 1900 two-thirds were unskilled.

Social Challenges

• By the end of the 19th century, racial discrimination was rampant:
  • Discrimination fueled by economic rivalries and religious differences;
  • Nativist groups targeted Mexican Americans as well, driving some to return to Mexico.

Conclusion

• Complexity in identities and experiences of Mexican Americans:
  • Issues of land, citizenship, job security, and integration were pivotal;
  • The history sets the stage for migration movements to the U.S. from Mexico, leading to future discussions.