HISPANIC AMERICAN EXPERIENCE DURING

WWII

Mexican Americans & Mexicans Join the War Effort

Approximately 250,000 – 500,000 Mexican Americans served during WWII.

A higher proportion of Mexican Americans fought in combat units than any other ethnic group.

Changing Jobs Labor shortages during

the war allow thousands of Mexican Americans to leave their rural, agricultural lives.

To replace Mexican American farm labor, the government instituted the BRACERO PROGRAM. Mexican citizens received

short-term contracts to come to U.S. and farm

The Zoot Suit

Initially an African American youth fashion connected to jazz culture.

Adopted by Mexican American kids.

Characteristics Unwritten rules demanded that people of

color remain unseen and unheard in public spaces, but the zoot suit, with broad shoulders, narrow waist, and ballooned pants, was loud and bold.

Statement of defiance. Zoot suiters asserted themselves when

fabric was being rationed for war effort.

Occasional Dress Reserved for special occasions

Dances Birthday Parties

Zoot Suit Riots June 1943 Clashes between sailors on leave and

Mexican Americans turned violent

Newspaper Excerpt The worst violence occurred on Monday,

June 7. One Los Angeles paper printed a guide

on how to "de-zoot" a zoot suiter:"Grab a zooter. Take off his pants and frock coat and tear them up or burn them."

Magazine Cover Create a front cover of Time Magazine

about the Bracero Program or the Zoot Suit Riots.

Include: A catchy headline An image A teaser: What would a full-length article be

about? Smaller headlines for other stories.