"I Think Nobody Is More American Than I" - World War II

In this sixth episode of History & Memory, Tejanos in American Wars, we cover the volitale period between the two World Wars. In Dr Mendoza's book this is Chapter 5. Below is an outline of our discussion. The BlowbackA. The WW I LegacyLULAC not for all (middle class)Great Depression of 1930s in which the New Deal excludes TejanosB. DeportationsDeportations in the 1930s hindered the goal of assimilationDuring the interwar years, Mexican Americans in Texas had a stronger sense ofbelonging to the United States than ever beforeWorld War IIA. Pearl HarborThe Lockhart Incident (July 1941)American Loyalty (the “Good War”?)B. MilitaryMotives varied, patriotism clearly evidentI Think Nobody is More American Than I Am” Ramon Martin RivasThe father of UT Austin’s Maggie Rivas Rodriguez who spearheaded the Oral Latino Voices projectBasic TrainingThe federal govt. knew there were problems and began preparing forracism and discrimination prior to the 1941 bombingCommon Council for American Unity (1940) published a periodical CommonGround with purpose of creating unity & understanding amongst AmericansImmigration & Naturalization Service (1941)) prepared broadcasts bynaturalized Americans, I Am an American (famous names = Albert Einstein)Hollywood (1940) also got into the act with Knute Rockne, All AmericanRonald Reagan made a point of celebrating the American immigrant heritage with RockneAdvantages: Tejanos saw military life as a way to escape poverty (stories on how they finally had food, shelter, and electricity)Homefronta) Fully on board (examples—just like Main Street USA)Heroisma) Macario Garcia—Cong Medal of Honor (1 st immigrant) in Europeb) Company E—all Mexican unit from El Paso in Europe theaterStories of these men from the same neighborhood akin to Band of BrothersImpactA. Memory—Tejanos became more proactive to claim status as heroesMonuments in El Paso (2 for Company E)B. Civil Rights—LULAC & American GI ForumAmericanization main goal