As an emerging and growing demographic group, Latina/os are becoming an increasingly important political factor as their political representation continues to dramatically increase in the United States.

The Chicana/o in the U.S. Political System serves as a guide to a historical and foundational survey of the Mexican American and Chicana/o people in the United States. This book highlights the political history and vital developments of the Mexican American and Chicana/o people in the political process and their relationship to the American political system. It also discusses the growing political influence and trends emerging in California and nationwide. The Chicana/o in the U.S.

Political System offers a political strategy of empowerment and helps focus on the importance of political participation in creating a more vibrant political voice in our society and nation.

Dreams, hopes, and struggles flower in the barrio and el Corazón de Aztlán to create moments of hope, love, and joy, as well as times of sacrifice, disappointment and pain. Hear their voices. See their images of tenderness, which reveal love, power, light, mystery, and sorrow. A new generation emerges among us, seeking the sun and sky in search of oneness.

With great pride we will listen and observe the voices and images. We will honor the artists and writers who find a way to create and communicate their souls through their art.

Youthful, energetic, and vibrant, they sing the song of the lives we live. Provocative, sensitive, soulful, lively, humorous, these works are our internal survival kits that sustain us in a world where we were once ashamed to proclaim our Mexicanness, in a dominant American culture where those on the outside were invisible. These works proclaim a positive link to our cultural heritage, positively and lovingly.

The writers wrote to express their voices-living in a world that is both American and Mexican. These creative expressions are part of their social and cultural fabric, unique to their time and cultural place in Southern California.

We desire that you enjoy our first publication of En Aztlán and that you will support our efforts to do more to empower our inspired artists, writers, and student leaders in MEChA, who are dedicated to community service. With great enthusiasm we introduce to you the very talented artists, writers, and leaders-En Aztlán.

Scholarly and insightful, the anthology Chicanos in the United States explores past history to tell the rich, complex story of North Americans of Mexican descent.

Beginning with indigenous groups of Mesoamerican, the text moves through the Spanish conquest and its legacy, the formation of the Mexican nation-state, and Anglo-colonization of the west.

Section One begins with a timeline of the history of Mesoamerica. Students will learn about the Mayan Book of the Dawn of Life, Gods and kings of the Mesoamerican period, and the Aztecs.

Section Two covers the Spanish entrance into Mexico, the role of the Catholic church in colonization, the rise of Hispaniola and New Spain, and the establishment of the Spanish Frontier. The exploitation of gold and silver, and social stresses in the late colonial period round out the section, effectively addressing this important time of transition and change.

Section Three examines Mexican history all the way through the postwar years, 1945- 1963. Students learn about the social conditions that lead to the rise of the Chicano movement, and efforts to achieve social, political, and economic equality.

With readings selections that are both thoughtfully chosen and intellectually sound, Chicanos in the United States provides an outstanding introduction to the diverse elements that combined over time to create a vibrant new American culture.

I began researching the history of the American Revolution of the 18th century for my research paper as a graduate student in International Relations at the University of San Diego. The seminar course was on American Foreign Policy with the brilliant Dr. Vidya Nadkarni who was the professor and also my advisor at USD. L often had questions about the American Revolution and in order to understand the social, economic and revolutionary conditions that led to the American Revolution. I chose this topic for my research paper work which is my attempt to understand the pressing problems that faced the radical colonials and their supporters. In additions I have included a statement by the House of Maryland recognizing the overlooked and forgotten role of Spain to assist the American revolutionary movement by thwarting the British forces in key and strategic areas during the American Revolution.