Cesar Chavez Chicano Movement Analysis

After studying the 1950 Civil Rights Movement, many AP United States History students would agree that the movement comprised of several progressions for different types of cultures. While the main focus of the era is the fight against segregation of African Americans, there are other racial movements that are as important - for example, the Chicano Movement. While the African Americans had influential leaders such as Martin Luther King Jr., the Chicano Movement also had an important prominent figure: Cesar Chavez. In order to fully engage in the 1950 Civil Rights Movement curriculum, studying the actions of Cesar Chavez is imperative for APUSH students. Chavez had a significant role in the Chicano Movement, he set an example for civil engagement, and his …show more content…
In his campaign against the California grape growers, Chavez put his first amendment rights to good use. Chavez handed out leaflets and newsletters through the CSO (freedom of press), presented numerous speeches (freedom of speech), and peaceably organized hunger strikes and marches (freedom of assembly and petition). While some migrant workers were illegal immigrants, the 14th amendment protected their rights, which states that “nor shall any State deprive any person of life, liberty, or property”, therefore, allowing the government to comply with the disadvantaged farmers’ demands. In addition, the Declaration of Independence (another of our founding documents) clearly states “we hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal.”. By obtaining better rights for the subjugated migrant farmers and Mexican Americans, Chavez bolstered the idea that all Americans should be endowed with the equal right to opportunity. Drawing references back to our nation’s founding documents is vital for U.S. History students, and Chavez’s leadership puts the American ideals to

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