Discuss the role of the state (i.e. the government) in the violence committed against Mexican Americans, and in the historical preservation of these events. In contrast, how do Mexican Americans respond to this history of violence?

Learning Goal: I’m working on a history writing question and need an explanation and answer to help me learn.

BOOK ANALYSIS

Write an analysis of 3-5 pages (double spaced, Times New Roman 12 point font, 1 inch margins). Any paper that is not a minimum of a full 3 pages will automatically receive a maximum grade of a “D”. Your analysis should be written in essay format with an introduction, several body paragraphs, and a conclusion. You should have a separate title page that includes the title of your essay, your name, date, and course. The title page does not count as one of the required pages of your essay.

Within your essay you must have a thesis statement in the introductory paragraph and answer all parts of the question you choose from the selection below. See the module titled “Course Materials” for tips on writing a good history thesis. Remember this is not a book report or a summary. This is an analytical essay in which you should demonstrate that you can form an argument, and support that argument with evidence/facts from the book and/or from other required course materials. There will be a 10 point deduction for any essay that does not have a thesis statement.

Your essay will be graded based on the following:

• 40% analysis (Do you have a clear thesis presented in your first paragraph? Did you answer all parts of the question?),
• 40% facts (Are you demonstrating that you read the book chapters by using examples from the book? Can you incorporate things about history that have been discussed in class to support your argument?),
• and 20% organization of your essay (Does the body of your essay support your argument? Is there a conclusion that demonstrates the significance of this story in history?)

Please use Chicago Manual of Style to cite your sources.

QUESTIONS

Choose ONE of the following question prompts to focus on in your book analysis:

1. The author, Monica Munoz Martinez claims to be challenging traditional narratives about violence committed against Mexican Americans. What narratives is she challenging? Detail the specific evidence that Martinez provides to contradict the traditional narrative.

2. Discuss the role of the state (i.e. the government) in the violence committed against Mexican Americans, and in the historical preservation of these events. In contrast, how do Mexican Americans respond to this history of violence?

3. What was going on in U.S. History in the late-1800s, and early-1900s, that helps us to better understand the hostility that existed between white Americans and ethnic Mexicans living in South Texas? Discuss how these factors were used to justify Mexican American lynching. What were the alternative reasons behind the lynching of Mexican Americans?