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Get involved and help us complete Arizona's Mexican Heritage; An American Story
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Your contribution can be tax deductible. All contributions will be used to help the Braun Sacred Heart Center, a 501(c)3 corporation, complete this timely documentary series. Thank you for considering making a donation!
Arizona's Mexican Heritage:
An American Story Documentary Series
EPISODE 1: THE ORIGINS
EPISODE 1: THE ORIGINS SEGMENT 1
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The Braun-Sacred Heart Center is pleased to announce that it will be presenting the first three episodes of the documentary series Arizona’s Mexican Heritage: An American Story.
We expect to produce six episodes when this important project is completed. It was hoped that these first three episodes would be released through public screenings, but the current pandemic endangers attendees to such events. Therefore, the three episodes will be released in twenty minute segments for 11 weeks in a row. It is projected that each segment will have a brief introduction and they will be accessible at no cost by a link provided with each segment.
Episode 1: “The Origins” Introduction Segment 1: This will be an introduction as to why the Braun-Sacred Heart Center is producing this educational documentary series. Segment 1 begins with the reality that few know much about the Mexican heritage and contributions to our Arizona |
Artwork by Roman Reyes
This segment provides an overview of the beginnings of Arizona’s Mexican connections. Culture and trade routes link Arizona with the advanced civilizations of pre-Columbian Mesoamerica–central Mexico. We visit Monte Albán and Teotihuacan, and then briefly explore some of the strengths and weaknesses of the last great pre-Columbian empire of Mesoamerica, that of the Mexica, the Aztecs. The rise of the Spanish as a powerful people is viewed in order to understand who they are when they engage the Mexica. Segment 2 will take it from there.
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EPISODE 1: THE ORIGINS SEGMENT 2
The Braun-Sacred Heart Center invites you to continue with the documentary series, Arizona’s Mexican Heritage: An American Story.
In segment 1 of Episode 1: The Origins, we traveled several thousand years up to 1492. Segment 1 will remain available.
In segment 2 we will cover approximately 350 years up to the eve of the Mexican War, a war in which Mexico will lose approximately half of its national territory to the United States.
Again, we will very briefly, cover a number of topics, including: disease that decimates the indigenous world; the Spanish attempts at justice after the fall of Tenochtitlán; the reality of racial mixture of peoples from Europe, Africa, Asia, and, of course, the Americas; the incredible silver strikes that stimulate the sustained movement north and to what is now Arizona; the transformation of the world economy and governance caused by the flow of silver; the rise of the United States and the Spanish role in support of the American War for Independence (which included Mexicans and silver); the consequences of Mexican Independence; the Santa Fe Trail and the flow of silver needed by the American economy; the rise of cotton with associated hunger for land and the rapid resurgence of slavery in the United States; and the Independence of Texas.
And there are a few additional matters to discuss. We’ve got a lot to cover in 23 minutes.
In segment 1 of Episode 1: The Origins, we traveled several thousand years up to 1492. Segment 1 will remain available.
In segment 2 we will cover approximately 350 years up to the eve of the Mexican War, a war in which Mexico will lose approximately half of its national territory to the United States.
Again, we will very briefly, cover a number of topics, including: disease that decimates the indigenous world; the Spanish attempts at justice after the fall of Tenochtitlán; the reality of racial mixture of peoples from Europe, Africa, Asia, and, of course, the Americas; the incredible silver strikes that stimulate the sustained movement north and to what is now Arizona; the transformation of the world economy and governance caused by the flow of silver; the rise of the United States and the Spanish role in support of the American War for Independence (which included Mexicans and silver); the consequences of Mexican Independence; the Santa Fe Trail and the flow of silver needed by the American economy; the rise of cotton with associated hunger for land and the rapid resurgence of slavery in the United States; and the Independence of Texas.
And there are a few additional matters to discuss. We’ve got a lot to cover in 23 minutes.
EPISODE 1: THE ORIGINS SEGMENT 3
In Segment 3, we cover the remaining 30 years leading up to the end of the American Civil War.
We will take a brief look at: political, philosophical, and military aspects surrounding the Mexican War; the Mexican War in what is now the U.S. Southwest; the continuation of the preexisting conflict between the former Mexican citizens, and their longtime Native American allies, against the Athabascan peoples; and, the integration of the former Mexican citizens into the military forces of the United States leading to the important role they played in the establishment of the Arizona Territory for the United States.
Next week we will begin with Episode 2: Creating Arizona where we’ll take a look at the creation of American Arizona and the critical role played by former Mexican citizens in the period preceding the arrival of the railroad.
We will take a brief look at: political, philosophical, and military aspects surrounding the Mexican War; the Mexican War in what is now the U.S. Southwest; the continuation of the preexisting conflict between the former Mexican citizens, and their longtime Native American allies, against the Athabascan peoples; and, the integration of the former Mexican citizens into the military forces of the United States leading to the important role they played in the establishment of the Arizona Territory for the United States.
Next week we will begin with Episode 2: Creating Arizona where we’ll take a look at the creation of American Arizona and the critical role played by former Mexican citizens in the period preceding the arrival of the railroad.
EPISODE TWO: CREATING ARIZONA
EPISODE 2: CREATING ARIZONA SEGMENT 1
We now begin Episode 2:Creating Arizona
Episode 2 reveals the continuing legacy of Mexicano pioneers who were major players in creating American Arizona. We will briefly explore the movement north from Mexico to Sonora (southern Arizona) and the establishment pre-railroad Arizona cities, including: Tucson, Yuma, Prescott, Wickenburg, Phoenix, Tempe, and the communities of northeastern Arizona.
In Segment 1 of Episode 2, we’ll view the movement of the northern Mexican mining/ranching frontier. The establishment of Tucson as a commercial center of American Arizona, heavily based on continuing Mexican connections, will be a focal point. The bilingual/bicultural nature of pre-railroad Tucson is quite evident.
Episode 2 reveals the continuing legacy of Mexicano pioneers who were major players in creating American Arizona. We will briefly explore the movement north from Mexico to Sonora (southern Arizona) and the establishment pre-railroad Arizona cities, including: Tucson, Yuma, Prescott, Wickenburg, Phoenix, Tempe, and the communities of northeastern Arizona.
In Segment 1 of Episode 2, we’ll view the movement of the northern Mexican mining/ranching frontier. The establishment of Tucson as a commercial center of American Arizona, heavily based on continuing Mexican connections, will be a focal point. The bilingual/bicultural nature of pre-railroad Tucson is quite evident.
EPISODE 2: CREATING ARIZONA SEGMENT 2
We continue with Episode 2: Segment 2.
Arizona Humanities Council Distinguished Public Scholar Award of Excellence recipient Patricia Preciado Martin begins Segment 2 by describing her surprise, through oral histories, at the extent of Tucson’s Mexican heritage— especially with regard to the role of women.
We then follow the Sonorenses with: the 18th century beginnings of Yuma; the major role of the Sonorans in the California Gold Rush; and, their preeminence in the creation of Yuma after northern Sonora becomes part of the United States owing to the Gadsden Purchase.
Arizona Humanities Council Distinguished Public Scholar Award of Excellence recipient Patricia Preciado Martin begins Segment 2 by describing her surprise, through oral histories, at the extent of Tucson’s Mexican heritage— especially with regard to the role of women.
We then follow the Sonorenses with: the 18th century beginnings of Yuma; the major role of the Sonorans in the California Gold Rush; and, their preeminence in the creation of Yuma after northern Sonora becomes part of the United States owing to the Gadsden Purchase.
EPISODE 2: CREATING ARIZONA SEGMENT 3
We continue with Episode 2: Segment 3.
Segment 3 continues the northern movement of the Sonorans, into Central Arizona. Into the mix we see the increasing involvement of the Nuevo Mexicanos. The movement is stimulated by mining, which also draws supporting ranching, farming, and commerce. After viewing the establishment of Prescott and Wickenburg, we focus on the establishment of Phoenix and the critical role played by former Mexican citizens in its founding and development.
Segment 3 continues the northern movement of the Sonorans, into Central Arizona. Into the mix we see the increasing involvement of the Nuevo Mexicanos. The movement is stimulated by mining, which also draws supporting ranching, farming, and commerce. After viewing the establishment of Prescott and Wickenburg, we focus on the establishment of Phoenix and the critical role played by former Mexican citizens in its founding and development.
EPISODE 2: CREATING ARIZONA SEGMENT 4
We continue with Episode 2: Segment 4.
Segment 4 briefly covers the origins of Tempe with focus on the Sotelo family and the beginnings of Arizona State University. We then move to the Little Colorado region of Northeastern Arizona. Aside from the actual residents of the region, few people understand the importance of the western Nuevo Mexicano movement into this area. With Segment 4, we conclude Episode 2. Next we will begin with Episode 3: Building Arizona.
Segment 4 briefly covers the origins of Tempe with focus on the Sotelo family and the beginnings of Arizona State University. We then move to the Little Colorado region of Northeastern Arizona. Aside from the actual residents of the region, few people understand the importance of the western Nuevo Mexicano movement into this area. With Segment 4, we conclude Episode 2. Next we will begin with Episode 3: Building Arizona.
EPISODE THREE: BUILDING AMERICAN ARIZONA
EPISODE 3: BUILDING AMERICAN ARIZONA SEGMENT 1
We continue with Episode 3: Building American Arizona, Segment 1.
Episode 3 introduces the profound changes brought to Arizona, and the rest of the world for that matter, by the Industrial Revolution.
Segment 1 begins with the literal engine of industrialization, the railroad, that ties Arizona to the industrializing world and transforms everything. The basis of economic and social power shift further away from Mexican origins to Anglo American and European sources. A critical element for building this new socio-economic world is the massive importation of labor. On the East Coast, this labor comes from Europe; but, in the West, especially in Arizona, it comes from Mexico.
Episode 3 introduces the profound changes brought to Arizona, and the rest of the world for that matter, by the Industrial Revolution.
Segment 1 begins with the literal engine of industrialization, the railroad, that ties Arizona to the industrializing world and transforms everything. The basis of economic and social power shift further away from Mexican origins to Anglo American and European sources. A critical element for building this new socio-economic world is the massive importation of labor. On the East Coast, this labor comes from Europe; but, in the West, especially in Arizona, it comes from Mexico.
EPISODE 3: BUILDING AMERICAN ARIZONA SEGMENT 2
We continue with Episode 3: Building American Arizona, Segment 2.
Episode 3 introduces the profound changes brought to Arizona, and the rest of the world for that matter, by the Industrial Revolution.
Segment 2 begins with the extensive recruitment of Mexican labor to build the copper mining industry across Arizona and the reliance on the dual wage system depressing Mexican wages. Strikes in Arizona and Sonora demonstrate the transborder essence of the contemporary economic, political, and social structures. The explosion of American industrial production, along with the outbreak of World War I and the Mexican Revolution, leads to accelerated recruitment of Mexican labor and the necessity for Mexicans to emigrate.
Episode 3 introduces the profound changes brought to Arizona, and the rest of the world for that matter, by the Industrial Revolution.
Segment 2 begins with the extensive recruitment of Mexican labor to build the copper mining industry across Arizona and the reliance on the dual wage system depressing Mexican wages. Strikes in Arizona and Sonora demonstrate the transborder essence of the contemporary economic, political, and social structures. The explosion of American industrial production, along with the outbreak of World War I and the Mexican Revolution, leads to accelerated recruitment of Mexican labor and the necessity for Mexicans to emigrate.
EPISODE 3: BUILDING AMERICAN ARIZONA SEGMENT 3
We continue with Episode 3: Building American Arizona, Segment 3.
Episode 3 introduces the profound changes brought to Arizona, and the rest of the world for that matter, by the Industrial Revolution.
The Mexican Revolution of 1910 forced many families to flee Mexico. In this segment we hear directly from them on how they arrived into the United States and how they survived. The Progressive Movement, in order to protect the growing American middle class, needed the intervention of the Federal Government and, as a consequence, led to the Salt River Project and the subsequent cotton boom. In Arizona, the need for copper and cotton for World War I required the heavy recruitment of Mexican labor. The drop in demand with the end of the war resulted in an economic depression for the United States. And here we see the recurring cycle: in good economic times, encourage, indeed actively recruit labor from Mexico; in hard times, blame Mexican labor and push to deport those laborers.
Episode 3 introduces the profound changes brought to Arizona, and the rest of the world for that matter, by the Industrial Revolution.
The Mexican Revolution of 1910 forced many families to flee Mexico. In this segment we hear directly from them on how they arrived into the United States and how they survived. The Progressive Movement, in order to protect the growing American middle class, needed the intervention of the Federal Government and, as a consequence, led to the Salt River Project and the subsequent cotton boom. In Arizona, the need for copper and cotton for World War I required the heavy recruitment of Mexican labor. The drop in demand with the end of the war resulted in an economic depression for the United States. And here we see the recurring cycle: in good economic times, encourage, indeed actively recruit labor from Mexico; in hard times, blame Mexican labor and push to deport those laborers.
FINAL SEGMENT OF
ARIZONA'S MEXICAN HERITAGE: AN AMERICAN STORY
EPISODE 3: BUILDING AMERICAN ARIZONA SEGMENT 4: SEGREGATION
Segregation, in housing, education, public and private facilities, and even in church, is the subject of this final segment of completed episodes of this documentary project. With this segment we bring our very brief overview of Arizona’s Mexican heritage up through the 1920s. Obviously, many changes will come, and some themes will continue, in the remaining three episodes to be completed.
The timing for the completion of this series is essentially determined by the end of this Covid shadow we are currently under, as well as available resources. It is hoped that a more detailed book will eventually accompany the completed projected six episodes