Latinx History

Home > Ethnic and Cultural Studies > Latinx Studies > Latinx History

Studies that focus on the history of Latinx populations in the United States, including colonization, immigration patterns, and social movements.

Indigenous Cultures and Pre-Columbian History: The history of Latin America began before colonization. Understanding the diversity and complexity of Indigenous cultures in Latin America is necessary for understanding the region's history.
Colonialism and Conquest: European powers invaded and colonized Latin America, bringing with them new cultures, religions, and languages. This had a significant impact on the region's current demographics and socio-economic systems.
Slavery and the African Diaspora: The exploitation of African slaves shaped the economy and society of Latin America. The African Diaspora has had a particular influence on Latinx culture in areas such as music, dance, and cuisine.
Borderlands and Migration: Understanding the ways in which political borders have shifted throughout Latin American history can deepen one's understanding of the region's current socio-political landscape. Additionally, the history of migration across borders has played a significant role in shaping Latinx culture in the United States.
Civil Rights and Activism: Latinxs have been fighting for their rights and the rights of others for many years. Understanding the history of movements such as the United Farm Workers, the Chicano Movement, and the Dreamers can provide insight into the political and social struggles of Latinxs in the United States.
Gender and Sexuality: Latinx cultures have a rich and complex history of gender and sexual diversity. Understanding the ways in which this history has shaped Latinx identity and experiences is crucial for an inclusive understanding of the Latinx community.
Language and Literature: Spanish and Portuguese are the two official languages of Latin American countries. Understanding the history of these languages, as well as Latin American literature and the literary movements that have emerged from the region, can provide insight into Latinx culture and identity.
Religion and Spirituality: Religion has a long and complex history in Latin America. The region has inherited a unique blend of Indigenous, Catholic, and African spirituality, which has shaped its cultural identity.
Environmental and Indigenous Rights: The exploitation and mistreatment of Indigenous communities in Latin America continues to be a major issue. Understanding the historical and current struggles of Indigenous communities for environmental and human rights can deepen one's understanding of Latinx culture and identity.
Pop Culture and Media: Latinx contributions to the film, music, and art industries have been significant. Understanding the history of Latinx cultural contributions and their impact on mainstream culture can provide insight into the ways that Latinxs have shaped American society more broadly.
Political Movements: The politics of Latinx communities have been deeply intertwined with the socio-political struggles of the past century. Understanding past Latinx social movements, their formative goals and achievements, enhances one's awareness of the Latinx experience.
Art and Architecture: Architecture, painting, sculpture, and literature continue to serve as popular outlets for Latinx expression. Learning about Spanish and Portuguese colonial influence, as well as modern-day art and architecture from Latinx communities, provides unique insight into Latinx cultural identity.
Latino/a History: The study of the history of Latinos and Latinas in the United States, including the social, political, and economic experiences of these groups.
Chicano/a Studies: The study of Mexican Americans, often focusing on their culture, language, and political activities.
Puerto Rican Studies: The study of Puerto Rican culture and history, including the migration of Puerto Ricans to the United States and their experiences in US society.
Caribbean Studies: The study of the history and culture of the Caribbean, including the experiences of Afro-Caribbean and Latino/a communities.
Immigration Studies: The study of immigration policies and the experiences of immigrants in the United States, including Latinx immigrants.
Gender and Sexuality Studies: The study of gender and sexuality as they relate to Latinx communities, including the experiences of LGBTQ+ people of Latinx descent.
Afro-Latinx Studies: The study of the experiences of Afro-Latinx people, who belong to both African and Latin American or Caribbean cultures.
Labor Studies: The study of working-class experiences, including the experiences of Latinx workers in the United States.
Borderlands Studies: The study of the US-Mexico border, including its history, culture, and politics.
Indigenous Studies: The study of the history and culture of indigenous peoples in Latin America and their experiences in US society.
"The Hispanics (whether criollo or mestizo) became the first American citizens in the newly acquired Southwest territory after the Mexican–American War."
"Hispanics remained a majority in several states until the 20th century."
"As late as 1783, at the end of the American Revolutionary War, Spain held claim to roughly half of today's continental United States."
"In the Treaty of Paris, France ceded Louisiana (New France) to Spain."
"It was returned in 1800 by the Treaty of San Ildefonso."
"In 1775, Spanish ships reached Alaska."
"From 1819 to 1848, the United States and its army increased the nation's area by roughly a third at Spanish and Mexican expense."
"Gaining among others three of today's four most populous states: California, Texas, and Florida."
"The history of Hispanics and Latinos in the United States is wide-ranging, spanning more than four hundred years of American colonial and post-colonial history."
"Hispanics (whether criollo or mestizo) became the first American citizens in the newly acquired Southwest territory after the Mexican–American War."
"As late as 1783, at the end of the American Revolutionary War, Spain held claim to roughly half of today's continental United States."
"It was returned in 1800 by the Treaty of San Ildefonso."
"In 1775, Spanish ships reached Alaska."
"From 1819 to 1848, the United States and its army increased the nation's area by roughly a third at Spanish and Mexican expense."
"Gaining among others three of today's four most populous states: California, Texas, and Florida."
"The Hispanics (whether criollo or mestizo) became the first American citizens in the newly acquired Southwest territory after the Mexican–American War."
"Hispanics remained a majority in several states until the 20th century."
"As late as 1783, at the end of the American Revolutionary War, Spain held claim to roughly half of today's continental United States."
"It was returned in 1800 by the Treaty of San Ildefonso."
"In 1775, Spanish ships reached Alaska."