Assignment Task:
Read the article "Major Problems in Mexican American History" document and essay edited by Zaragosa Vargas.
Answer all parts of the required questions below:
Question 1: When was the document written? Why is the document a primary source? Who is the author? (See the website for more information on the author) Who is the intended audience of the document?
Question 2: How many Mexican Americans served in World War II? (see page 303} Who was Pedro Aguilar Despart? Why do you think immigrants crossed the border to serve in the U.S. military?
Question 3: Why do you think the author provides details of the places Mexican-Americans soldiers came from? What were some of the terms employed by Mexican- Americans to describe themselves?
Question 4: Why do you think the author lists the many terms used by Mexican-Americans to describe themselves? Which term is the author arguing for and what is his rationale for using the term? Is there anything in the document that gets your attention or that surprised you?