Why does the author argue that the first American trials (1847) were illegal? Why was New Mexico’s statehood delayed for 64 years? Explain how the Spanish and American racial system created a “double colonization” of Mexican Americans? Explain which racial narrative was used to prevent New Mexico from achieving statehood?

Race in the United states

Answer the chapter questions using at least 3 sentences.
Introduction:
How does this book fit into what is already known about race in the United states? Identify and explain the author’s main argument?

CH 1:
Why does the author argue that the first American trials (1847) were illegal? Why was New Mexico’s statehood delayed for 64 years?

Ch 2:
Explain how the Spanish and American racial system created a “double colonization” of Mexican Americans? Explain which racial narrative was used to prevent New Mexico from achieving statehood?

Ch 3:
Explain how Mexican Americans became “legally” white, socially non-white? Explain the racial positioning of Mexican American elites in relation to African Americans?

Ch 4:
Explain how United states vs Sandoval (1897) court cases lead to loss of land for Mexican Americans? Why did the 1897 Rodriguez case encourage Mexican Americans to distance themselves from blacks and indians?

Epilogue and Postscript:
Why do you feel Mexican Americans still feel insecure about their racial status in U.S society? How will Mexican Americans fit into the racial landscape in the 21st century?