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The Treaty of Guadalupe Hilalgo
This represented the end of the Mexican-American War. This war resulted in America "acquiring" (more like taking by force because we were bigger and more powerful) territory, that equalled close to 525,000 square miles, that belonged to Mexico. This territory currently makes up the southwestern parts of the United States. -
Mendez v. Westminster Supreme Court
This was a case that prohibited the segregation of Latino school children from the white children. Consequently, it was a predecessor of Brown vs. Board of Education. -
Hernandez v. Texas Supreme Court
In this case, the Supreme Court ruled that the Fourteenth Amendment of the Constitution guaranteed equal protection for ALL racial groups, not just whites and African-Americans. -
Founding of the United Farm Workers (UFW)
Originally known as the National Farm Workers Association, this organization was founded by Cesar Chavez and Dolores Huerta. Chávez was the dynamic leader and speaker and Huerta was a skilled organizer and tough negotiator. Huerta was instrumental in the union's many successes, including the strikes against California grape growers in the 1960s and 1970s. This organization ultimately changed the lives of Hispanic migrant workers all over the country. -
El Plan Espiritual de Aztlan
In March of 1969, a Chicano activist leader, Rodolfo Gonzalez, convened a National Youth Liberation Conference in Denver, Colorado. Youth from throughout the United States attended the conference held at the Crusade for Justice. After much debate and discussion, the conference formulated a philosophy of cultural nationalism, calling for all Mexican Americans to unite under the banner of the term “Chicano” and calling for self-determination in all spheres of life. -
Founding of the Agricultural Labor Relations Act
Due to continued activism by Chávez and his union in 1975, California passed the Agricultural Labor Relations Act, which guaranteed farm workers' rights to organize. Although seen as a victory at the time, the agreement placed greater restrictions on the actions of unions, and created an Agricultural Labor Relations Board subject to political influence.
