Examine the impact of the Great Depression and the New Deal era on Mexican Americans.

The Great Depression and the New Deal era had a significant impact on Mexican Americans. During the Great Depression, many Mexican Americans faced discrimination and were often the first to lose their jobs. This was due to the widespread anti-Mexican sentiment and the belief that they were taking jobs away from "real" Americans. As a result, many Mexican Americans experienced extreme poverty and hardship during this time.

The New Deal era, however, brought about some positive changes for Mexican Americans. President Franklin D. Roosevelt's New Deal programs aimed to provide relief, recovery, and reform for all Americans, including Mexican Americans. Programs such as the Civilian Conservation Corps and the Works Progress Administration provided jobs and economic relief to many Mexican Americans, helping to alleviate some of the hardships they faced during the Great Depression.

Additionally, the New Deal era also saw the rise of Mexican American activism and advocacy for civil rights. Organizations such as the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) and the Mexican American Political Association (MAPA) were formed during this time to fight for the rights and equality of Mexican Americans. These organizations played a crucial role in advocating for better working conditions, education, and political representation for Mexican Americans.

Overall, the Great Depression and the New Deal era had a complex and lasting impact on Mexican Americans. While they faced significant discrimination and hardship during the Great Depression, the New Deal era brought about some positive changes and opportunities for economic relief and civil rights activism.