The 19th century was a time of expansion for the United States and transition for Latinos in America. The United States gained control of much of the Southwest, engulfing former Spanish territories, and Latinos became an integral part of the landscape.
Spanish Settlement in North America: 1822-1898
sets the scene for one of America’s most exciting historical periods, and explores such developments as the newly won independence of Mexico and the countries in South America, the emergence of missions and farming in California, the concept of manifest destiny, the Alamo, the gold rush, the Civil War, vaqueros, and Mexican songs and folklore. Students will also find discussions of Anglo attitudes toward Latinos; the importance of Mexican-American workers in agriculture, railroads, and other industries; events of the Spanish-American War; and the acquisition of Puerto Rico and the control of Cuba.