Mexican Americans are still fighting for land they were promised generations ago | Nightline

Summary

This video explores the historical injustices faced by Mexican Americans, particularly land grant communities, after the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo. It details the U.S.'s westward expansion, the war with Mexico, and the subsequent seizure of Mexican land. The treaty, which was meant to protect the rights of Mexican nationals, was altered by the U.S. Senate, leading to the loss of land and cultural identity. The video features interviews with descendants of these communities, who discuss their ongoing struggle for justice and the importance of preserving their heritage.

Takeaways

• 🇺🇸 The current U.S.-Mexico border was established 172 years ago, following a war between the United States and Mexico.
• 🗺️ Before the war, the southwestern United States was part of Mexico, and many Mexican nationals lived in the region.
• 📜 The Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo ended the war and promised citizenship and land rights to Mexicans living in the newly acquired territories.
• ❌ However, when the treaty was sent to Congress, the Senate removed the clauses protecting Mexican land claims, leading to long-term disenfranchisement.
• 🏔️ Many families, like those in Tomé, New Mexico, lost significant amounts of land due to changes in the treaty, reducing their holdings from over 100,000 acres to just 400 acres.
• 📜 The loss of land and rights deeply affected Mexican-American communities, leading to a long history of poverty, educational disparities, and loss of cultural identity.
• 🤝 Despite the challenges, efforts continue to reclaim lost land and rights, with some communities seeking reparations and official recognition of traditional land uses.
• ✊ The Chicano movement and figures like Reyes Lopez Tijerina fought for land rights and recognition, drawing attention to historical injustices.
• 🏛️ Activists are pushing for new legislation to ensure land grant communities have access to traditional land uses and to address historical grievances.
• 💪 The fight for justice continues, with families and communities striving to preserve their heritage, regain lost lands, and ensure future generations remember their history.

Q & A

What significant event happened 172 years ago that changed the southwestern region's status?

172 years ago, the southwestern region, which is now considered part of the U.S., was actually the northernmost part of Mexico. This region wasn't part of the U.S. at all.

Why did the U.S. provoke a war with Mexico?

The U.S. provoked a war with Mexico because many presidents believed it was America's destiny to reach the land, pushing westward to seize the land.

What was the outcome of the war between the U.S. and Mexico?

After a long and bloody battle, the U.S. occupied much of Mexico, and the two countries decided to work up an agreement, with Mexico ceding half their country to the United States.

What was the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo and what was its original intent?

The Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo was an agreement that gave around a hundred thousand Mexican nationals living in the ceded territories U.S. citizenship if they decided to stay. More importantly, it protected the rights of any Mexican whose land was now part of the U.S.

Why was the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo significant for Mexican Americans?

The Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo was significant for Mexican Americans because it was meant to protect their land claims and rights when their territories became part of the U.S. However, when the treaty was sent to Congress, the Senate removed the part that protected these land claims.

How did the removal of land claims protection from the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo affect Mexican Americans?

The removal of land claims protection from the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo led to the loss of land and rights for Mexican Americans, forever changing the fate of generations to come.

What is the significance of El Cerro de Tomat in the context of the script?

El Cerro de Tomat, established in 1739 in Tamann, New Mexico, is significant because it represents the original boundary of a land grant that has been reduced in size over the years, symbolizing the historical land disputes faced by Mexican American communities.

What does the land grant room represent for the community mentioned in the script?

The land grant room represents the historical and cultural heritage of the community, housing documents and a patent signed by Ulysses Grant, which was granted after the war with Mexico to honor their land grant.

Why is the land so important to the people mentioned in the script?

The land is important to the people mentioned in the script because it is tied to their identity, history, and culture. It represents their connection to their ancestors and their way of life.

What is the connection between the land grants and the Chicano movement mentioned in the script?

The connection between the land grants and the Chicano movement is that the movement aimed to reclaim the indigenous heritage and original belongings to the territories, with a significant part of the movement focusing on honoring the land grants as per the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo.

What are the current efforts to address the historical injustices faced by land grant communities?

Current efforts include legislation to create a federal definition of traditional uses on federal lands for land-grant communities, requiring federal agencies to work with and consult these communities. There are also dreams of reparation, such as monetary compensation for the hardships endured and the possibility of buying back land.

Outlines

00:00

🌎 Historical Land Dispute and the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo

The paragraph delves into the historical context of the U.S.-Mexico border, highlighting the territorial shifts that occurred 172 years ago when the southwest region, now part of the U.S., was once Mexico's northern territory. It discusses how President James Polk's westward expansion ambitions led to war with Mexico, resulting in the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo. This treaty was supposed to grant citizenship to Mexicans living in the ceded territories and protect their land rights. However, the U.S. Senate removed provisions protecting land claims, setting a precedent for the disenfranchisement of Mexican-Americans. The narrative also touches on the personal stories of families like the Padillas, who have deep roots in the region and have faced land dispossession over the years, reflecting the broader historical struggle of Mexican-Americans.

05:00

🏡 The Struggle for Land Rights and Community Identity

This paragraph focuses on the ongoing struggle of land grant communities in New Mexico to regain their ancestral lands and the recognition of their rights as per historical treaties. It discusses the disparities in poverty and education faced by these communities and how the land grant and treaty issues are considered the first Latino civil rights issues in the U.S. that remain unresolved. The paragraph also explores the historical disenfranchisement of Mexican citizens by territorial governments, which viewed only whites as deserving full citizenship. It includes personal accounts from community members who are fighting for justice and the recognition of their land grants, emphasizing the deep connection between their identity and the land they have inhabited for generations.

10:03

🔥 The Chicano Movement and the Fight for Land Reparations

The final paragraph discusses the Chicano Movement's role in reclaiming the indigenous heritage and land rights of Mexican-Americans. It recounts the story of Reyes López Tejería, who in the 1960s raised awareness about the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo and the impending loss of land for Mexican-Americans. The paragraph details the movement's efforts to change laws and gain recognition for land grants, leading to a courthouse raid and subsequent conflict. It also touches on current legislative efforts to define traditional uses of federal lands for land-grant communities and the dream of land reparation, which includes monetary compensation for the hardships endured by these communities. The narrative concludes with a commitment to preserving their history and culture, reflecting a坚韧不拔的精神 and a determination to protect their land and legacy for future generations.

Keywords

💡Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo

The Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo is a historical agreement signed in 1848 between the United States and Mexico, which ended the Mexican-American War. It is central to the video's theme as it set the terms for the U.S. acquiring a vast territory from Mexico, including what is now the American Southwest. The treaty initially promised citizenship and protection of property rights to Mexicans living in the annexed territories, but these promises were not fully honored, leading to the dispossession of land and cultural heritage for many Mexican Americans, as illustrated by the script's discussion of land claims and the struggles of the descendants of those affected.

💡Land Grants

Land grants refer to the parcels of land that were originally given by the Spanish or Mexican governments to settlers in the Southwest before the area became part of the United States. In the video, the concept of land grants is crucial as it highlights the historical ownership and cultural significance of these lands to Mexican Americans. The script mentions how these grants have been reduced over time due to legal and political maneuvers, leading to a loss of land and a struggle for justice and recognition by the land grant communities.

💡Manifest Destiny

Manifest Destiny was a 19th-century belief that the United States was destined to expand across the North American continent. The video touches upon this concept to explain the historical context of U.S. westward expansion and the subsequent conflict with Mexico. This belief justified the annexation of territories like the Southwest, which was once part of Mexico, and is linked to the broader narrative of the video regarding the U.S.'s treatment of Mexican lands and people.

💡Mexican-American

Mexican-Americans are individuals of Mexican descent living in the United States. The video focuses on the experiences of Mexican-Americans, particularly those whose ancestors lived in territories that became part of the U.S. after the Mexican-American War. It discusses the challenges they faced, such as the loss of land and cultural heritage, and their ongoing fight for recognition and justice, as exemplified by the stories of the land grant heirs and their efforts to reclaim their heritage.

💡Racism

Racism is the discrimination against individuals or groups based on their race or ethnicity. The video addresses the historical and ongoing experiences of racism faced by Mexican-Americans, including the systematic disenfranchisement and marginalization they have experienced. It connects this to the broader American narrative of racial inequality and the struggle for civil rights, as seen in the discussions of land loss and the portrayal of Mexicans in negative stereotypes.

💡Chicano Movement

The Chicano Movement was a civil rights movement in the 1960s and 1970s that sought to empower Mexican-Americans and address issues of discrimination and inequality. The video mentions this movement in the context of its efforts to reclaim indigenous heritage and fight for the recognition of land grants as per the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo. The movement is portrayed as a significant part of Mexican-American history and identity, reflecting a desire for self-determination and cultural preservation.

💡Landless Land Grant

A landless land grant refers to a situation where the original land grant, which was a legal title to a piece of land, has been reduced to the point where the community no longer possesses the land. In the video, this term is used to describe the plight of communities that have lost their ancestral lands over time due to various historical and legal factors, such as the removal of land claim protections in the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo.

💡Reparation

Reparation refers to making amends for a wrong or injury caused. In the video, the concept of reparation is discussed in the context of compensating Mexican-American communities for the historical injustices they have suffered, such as the loss of land and cultural heritage. It is presented as a form of justice and a means to restore what was unjustly taken, with the script mentioning monetary compensation and the return of land as potential forms of reparation.

💡Cultural Identity

Cultural identity is the sense of belonging to a group that shares common cultural values, traditions, and history. The video emphasizes the importance of cultural identity for Mexican-Americans, particularly in relation to their connection to the land and their ancestral heritage. It discusses how the loss of land has impacted their cultural identity and the ongoing efforts to preserve and celebrate this identity despite historical challenges.

💡Dispossession

Dispossession refers to the act of taking away someone's property or rights. In the context of the video, dispossession is a key theme as it describes the historical process through which Mexican-Americans lost their land and resources following the annexation of Mexican territories by the United States. The script illustrates this through personal narratives and the broader historical account of land grant reductions and the failure to uphold the promises of the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo.

Highlights

The U.S.-Mexico border was not always as it is today; 172 years ago, the Southwest was part of Mexico.

President James Polk provoked war with Mexico to expand U.S. territory.

After the war, Mexico ceded half of its country to the U.S. under the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo.

The treaty was supposed to protect the land claims of Mexicans now living in the U.S., but this part was removed by the Senate.

The removal of land protection led to the disenfranchisement of Mexican Americans.

The land grant community of Tamann, New Mexico, has lost significant land over the years.

Efforts are being made to reclaim land and preserve the community's heritage.

The land grant room contains a patent signed by President Ulysses Grant, acknowledging the community's land grant.

Land grant heirs are working to address historical injustices and disparities.

The federal government has often failed to uphold promises made to Mexican Americans.

The loss of land has had a profound impact on the culture and identity of Mexican Americans.

Racism against Mexican Americans is deeply rooted and has been felt at institutional and individual levels.

The Chicano movement seeks to reclaim indigenous heritage and honor land grants.

Current legislation aims to define traditional uses of federal lands for land-grant communities.

The dream of reparation includes the return of land and monetary compensation for historical wrongs.

A museum is being opened to preserve the history and legacy of the land grant community.

The community is committed to protecting their land and heritage for future generations.

Transcripts

many people think of the dividing line

between the u.s and mexico

as fixed as something that's always been

there

but 172 years ago what we now consider

the southwest

wasn't part of the u.s at all it was

actually

the north most part of mexico

but the u.s was not content with what it

had

pushing westward to seize the land that

many presidents believed was america's

destiny

to reach that goal president james polk

provoked war with mexico

after a long and bloody battle the u.s

occupied much of mexico

the two countries decided to work up an

agreement and mexico

ceded half their country to the united

states

this part is important there was an

agreement called

the treaty of guadalupe hidalgo it gave

around a hundred thousand mexican

nationals living in those territories

citizenship if they decided to stay but

more

importantly the agreement protected the

rights of

any mexican whose land was now part of

the u.s

but when the treaty got sent to congress

the senate

removed the part that protected the land

claims

of mexicans who now lived in america

this would forever change the fate of

generations

of mexican americans to come

[Music]

[Applause]

[Music]

[Applause]

[Music]

your body tells you when to stop it

my family has settled this area for

literally

centuries so we have very deep

deep native roots here

[Music]

we're at the top of el cerro de tomat in

tamann new mexico

established in 1739

our eastern boundary was the top of the

crest the crest of the mountain the

manzano mountain

so that was the original boundary

we've lost some land through the years

at one point

several years ago we were a landless

land grant literally

and we originally had 123 000 acres of

land

today thomas has approximately

400 acres

[Music]

my name is andrea padilla

america owes us the opportunity

to take care of our own communities

my name is rita padilla gutierrez i

think regaining some of our land back

would be justice

[Music]

[Music]

this is kind of our land grant room here

we have the

patent signed by ulysses grant

this is the patent that was granted

after the war

uh with mexico and the trio of algo

to honor our land grant and it's signed

by ulysses grant who was president at

the time

seal and everything granting us that our

land grant would continue to be ours

so this is it again but then later they

stole our mountain so

my name is arthur archuleta i'm a land

grant heir to two land grants the

manzano and the tierra malia land grant

we're a land-based people half of our

soul was here before columbus ever hit

the sand

we come from some of the spanish

communities that came over

as well as native american communities

so we really are sort of mestizo we're

mixed

[Music]

this was my grandfather's plot so this

is a traditional hakal

house on this side you can see they

actually used adobe

my dad grew up here but then he left in

the 70s didn't have opportunities

[Music]

that's the stuff that's hard to swallow

when you're like man like this is

something that was in our family and it

belonged to

us and because the circumstances beyond

our control the loss of the commons the

poverties

that created this drives the work that i

do working with land grant communities

and trying to

get justice for our communities

there's a huge disparity here in terms

of poverty in terms of education

these communities have been left behind

the land grant and the treaty issues is

probably what you consider the first

latino issue in this country

and it's still unresolved

what happened with mexican americans in

some ways is a quintessential

american story we like to tell ourselves

that we are a country of great values

and that we follow through on the

promises that we make

but again and again we saw that the

federal government would make promises

to groups and then would just turn its

back

on those promises when mexico negotiates

the treaty in good faith assuming that

all of its citizens rights will be

respected

what it doesn't understand is that for

the united states

only whites have the right to full

citizenship

and so the territorial government

systematically

go about disenfranchising all

mexican citizens who they deem to not be

[Music]

white

so this is a collection of documents

that spans all the way from the late

spanish colonial period all the way

through

the 20 years into the u.s territorial

period

this grant goes from over 400 000 acre

grant to a 1422 acre grant

so this is the 38 000 acres and they're

reduced down to about 4 500 acres

you know the longevity that we have in

this place

you know that these communities existed

100 150 years before the tree of

guadalupe

but it's beyond sensitive place it's

also this commitment that you have to

make sure this place survives

our identity is tied to place but we

don't see that place having

an identity without us either so it

defines us

just as much as we define it

[Music]

it hurt my father deeply because he

fought to the very end

you know telling people you can't do

this can't do this once you sell your

land that's it

you're nothing you lose your culture you

lose everything this land should have

never been sold it should still be ours

so people who didn't have a lot of

acreage

other than that lost their way of life

[Music]

i just don't think people get the the

passion

that's attached to this it's the um

the history for god's sake

[Music]

plain and simple your language your

customs your

food your traditions

but for us it's being a land-based

people

today there's a lot of rhetoric about

the mexicans and anti-mexican

it does hit me in the heart

they're bringing drugs they're bringing

crime

they're rapists what happens when the

vast majority of those people are

dispossessed and that land is given to

white settlers

the representation of mexicans as these

barbarous indians

that's enunciated every day when we hear

mexicans described as

rapists murderers and thieves we always

worked hard

and and we made a living and we did the

right thing so when they talk about lazy

mexicans or these mexicans are all drug

dealers and murderers i'm like

where i haven't seen that i'm not you

know

some of these questions of racism that

are resurfacing you know for communities

like us we know it's never gone away

it's not like a surprise or a shock that

oh my gosh like

how did this country become so racist

we've always felt it

we've always known it we've been on the

receiving end of it either through the

institutions

through the bureaucracies or at the

individual level

[Music]

back in the 60s there was an individual

by the name of

reyes lopez tejerina

or 15 million spanish americans

throughout the southwest

have a great reason to fight for the

treaty

he came to new mexico preaching the

treaty

and telling the people that they were

going to lose their land that kind of

culminates

in a courthouse a raid it ends up in a

shootout

like hey there's a civil war in new

mexico and these people are fed up and

they send in the national guard

they put all the heirs of different land

grants that were the followers of te

karerena

in a corral like sheep

so the move to chicano chicanex is

precisely

a move to reclaim our own indigenous

heritage our own original belongings to

these territories

right that's why the rest movement is a

huge part of the chicano movement

because they were

articulating it concretely saying like

we have these land grants

and we want these land grants honored

as per the treaty of guadalupe he opened

our eyes he taught us

and he always said no change the law and

we've always tried that

[Music]

my name is arturo archuleta and i'm here

on behalf of the new mexico land grant

council

[Music]

so what the current legislation does is

it would create a federal definition

of traditional uses on federal lands for

land-grant communities

access to fuel wood for example to heat

your home access to

pasture to graze livestock and it would

also require that the federal

agencies work with land grant

communities and consult with them

the dream of reparation would be that

we'd get our land back

i also think our communities are due

some type of a reparations

in terms of a monetary compensation for

all the hardships that they've endured

what that figure looks like to us if we

did a calculation probably about 2.7

billion dollars

not to pay out individuals but to pay

out our communities for community

development

and to buy it back land

[Music]

we're going to have a museum open to the

public the old jail where we think

billy the kid spent one night

the idea is to to keep the legacy alive

do not

destroy and forget the history we don't

want handouts we want to provide for

ourselves

so justice would be giving us that

opportunity to do that

i know that the hard work of my dad and

my grandfather and my great grandfather

that their blood sweat and tears

that that's something that i have to

make sure that

none of that was for vain and that their

hopes and dreams survive on

and they survive on in my kids and their

kids we've always been here

and we're not going anywhere this is who

we are this is where we come from this

is our land

and we're going to protect it and we're

going to continue to be here as long as

we possibly can

hi everyone george stephanopoulos here

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