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Mexican Independence
In 1821 Mexico finally got their independence from Spain after 10 years of war. At this time Mexico still owned the American Southwest up until 1848. -
Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo
Large amounts of land that once belonged to Mexico are now part of the United States with the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo. Names after the Mexico City suburb that it was signed in. Many Mexicans preferred to go fighting than not do anything. -
Battle of Glorieta Pass
The decisive battle of the New Mexico campaign in the American civil war. -
Battle of Puebla
The battle that eventually became the holiday we all know and love, Cinco de Mayo. Mexico defeated the invading french army in the city of Puebla. This was key in getting the French out of Mexico. -
Southern Pacific Gets to El Paso
Southern Pacific reaches El Paso. -
Reed-Johnson Immigration Act of 1924
The Reed-Johnson Immigration Act of 1924 Limited entry of immigrants through national origins quota. Mainly targeted immigration in the east but also affect the immigrants coming from Mexico. -
The Great Depression
The great depression affect everybody not just the mexicanos but there was a lot of anti mexican stigma. -
World War II 1939-1945
By 1940 there were more Mexicanos than in World War I so they had a higher participation in the war. There is an estimate that 250,000 to 750,000 participated. Many participated as a way to raise their economic status. Some felt a sense of patriotism in their new country. -
Rise of Pachucos
First appeared in El Paso on the eve of the war. The youth felt alienated from the older generation and Anglo society so they developed their own style. They wore a uniform of long and loose-fitting clothing. -
Guy Louis Galbadon
The most famous Mexican American soldier to serve in the pacific. Most famous for what he did in the Battle of Saipan in 1944. Since he was raised by a Japanese American family he was able to speak Japanese and understand the Japanese soldiers he killed 33 enemy soldiers and captured 1500 soldiers and civilians.