Mexican American History

Mexican American History

Lynching and Discrimination, Racism and Violence against Mexican-Origin People

Lynching, according to EJI and Martinez, is an act where Mexican-Americans were subjected to mob violence and extralegal killings as a form of punishment for alleged transgressions.  The American military worked together with the rangers to frustrate Mexican landowners. Taxes were hiked, and lands of those who failed to pay were sold to Americans at a low price. Prisoners were intentionally released on shot on the allegations of attempted escape. All the violations and maltreatment of the Mexicans happened with vigilantes that they were protecting American citizens’ property. African Americans, like their Mexican American counterparts, were often falsely accused of wrongdoing. Mob and vigilantes would execute lynching as a disciplinary measure.

Anglo-Mexican Relations in the Early 20th Century and Race War

Mexicans stepped up revolt against the oppressive domination of Anglos on economic and political control. American government intentionally imposed racial conflicts among the Mexicans to give the Anglos an advantage during the revolution. According to Martinez, race war involved the ethnic conflict among Mexicans in Texas based on the notion of superiority.

 Impact of the Violence on the Mexican American Community

The violence led to the death of several innocent Mexicans. Besides, they lost ownership of their lands through scrupulous means. Mexicans were made slaves of the Anglo Americans. These acts were a gross violation of human rights. For instance, allowing the mob to grab Antonio Rodríguez from his prison cell and burn him alive was wrong.