Assignment: Chicano History Essay

You must answer one of two questions.

Q1. Imagine that you go to Balboa Park on Saturday, March 17, to watch St. Patrick's Day Parade. While there, you overhear two tourists from Boston say that the American Southwest once belonged to Mexico. But in 1848, they say, Mexico ceded the territory to the United States. (Do not forget that the United States annexed Texas in 1845!) They wonder why Mexico made such a fateful decision. After some debate, they conclude that Mexico recognized its limitations and acknowledged that the United States was destined to control the Southwest. You interrupt the conversation-politely of course-and say that their criticism raises some important issues. What will you say?

A. You agree they are correct and you say why.

B. You explain that certain historical accidents, not some grand design, influenced the development of each country. How would geography, demography, economics, a legacy about the transition of power from one political party to another, and ideas about race and racial equality account for the differences between Mexico and the United States?

Q2. Twenty years from now imagine you will be teaching a "Comparative Frontiers" class to college juniors and seniors at the University of California, Berkeley. By the middle of the semester you must discuss how Mexicans and citizens of the United States looked at the area west of the Mississippi between 1769 and 1848. How would the residents of Mexico and the United States:

a. Regard the establishment of slavery in the region;

b. Envision the role Indians would play in the settlements established by Mexicans (and before them the Spaniards) and Anglo-Americans (and before them the English);

c. Look at race and use it-race-- to explain who was fit to settle the region.

d. Consider how government (or even religious) institutions would establish political control in the region. (Hint think of missions and/or congressional representation).