Mexican Americans After 1848: Rights Denied — Reading Comprehension

The year 1848 marked a major turning point for Mexican Americans in the United States. The Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo ended the Mexican-American War, and Mexico was forced to give up a vast region of land to the United States, including present-day California, Texas, Arizona, and New Mexico. This event created a new group of U.S. citizens overnight—people who had lived under Mexican rule but now found themselves part of a different nation.

The treaty promised that Mexican Americans would become U.S. citizens and that their property and civil rights would be protected. Article VIII of the treaty stated, “Property of every kind…shall be inviolably respected.” However, the reality was much different. The U.S. government and many settlers failed to honor these promises. Land that had belonged to Mexican families for generations was taken away through confusing legal processes, high taxes, or even outright fraud. Many Mexican Americans lost their land grants in court. U.S. officials often did not recognize Mexican legal documents or traditions, making it almost impossible for many to defend their rights.

From the perspective of Mexican Americans, these changes were devastating. Families who once owned ranches or farms became tenants or laborers on land that was once theirs. Many spoke out against these injustices, but their voices were frequently ignored. Some Mexican Americans tried to fight back through the courts, but they rarely won. Others formed communities called barrios to protect their culture and offer mutual support. These neighborhoods became centers of resilience, where traditions, language, and customs survived despite outside pressures.

On the other hand, U.S. settlers and government officials often argued that they were bringing progress and order to the region. They believed that U.S. laws and systems were superior to Mexican ones. This belief led to discrimination and segregation. Mexican Americans were denied equal access to schools, jobs, and political participation. In some places, signs reading “No Mexicans Allowed” appeared in public spaces, showing how deep the prejudice ran. The U.S. legal system was used to justify these practices, creating a society divided by race and language.

Despite these challenges, Mexican Americans found ways to resist and adapt. Some became leaders in the fight for civil rights, organizing protests and demanding justice. Others focused on preserving their heritage through festivals, music, and religion. Over time, Mexican American communities influenced the broader culture of the Southwest, blending traditions from both Mexico and the United States.

Historians analyze this period as one filled with contradictions. The U.S. claimed to offer freedom and opportunity, but for many Mexican Americans, the years after 1848 were marked by loss and struggle. Yet, these communities also demonstrated remarkable resilience and creativity. The legacy of 1848 continues to shape debates about citizenship, rights, and belonging in the United States today.

Interesting Fact: Interesting Fact: The first bilingual public school in the U.S. was founded in New Mexico in the late 1800s to serve both Spanish- and English-speaking students.

What year was the Treaty signed?

What did Article VIII of the treaty promise?

Where did many Mexican Americans form barrios?

Why did many Mexican Americans lose land?

What was a common reaction to discrimination?

What did some Mexican Americans do to resist?

Mexican Americans became U.S. citizens after 1848. True or false?

What does 'segregation' mean?