ociety. But many took to the road. G. The People’s Revolt- The El Paso Salt War of 1877 is an example of the people’s revolt. Mexicans in the country banded together along lines of race and class taking direct action in the response to the political chicanery of foreigners. It was a class struggle against the rich, powerful gringo establishment. 3 Freedom in a Cage: The colonization of New Mexico A. The Distortion of History- We are white too! Many New Mexicans have historically found security in believing that they assimilated into Anglo-American culture and that they effectively participate in the democratic process. In order to survive economically, many descendants of the original New Mexican settlers found it easy to separate themselves from Mexicans who arrived at the turn of the 20th century. And they called themselves Hispanos. B. The Myth of the Bloodless Conquest- Another myth is that Mew Mexicans peacefully joined the Anglo nation an “became a willing enclave of the United States.” By this sleight of hand New Mexicans are not seen as victims and, consequently, the enemies of the Anglo-Americans, but rather their willing friends. No one liked the thought of the U.S. invading his or her land. C. The Land Grab- Land, New Mexico’s basic resource, was at heart of the Pueblo Indians grievances against the Spaniards. The Santa Fe Ring’s power rested in its control of the territorial bureaucracy. D. The Santa Fe Ring- The ring controlled the governor and the most of the officeholders in the territory and was supported by Max Frost, editor of the Mew Mexican. An influx of newcomers and capital formalized and extended the range of the North American elite and the ricos, with the creation of a network of speculators. E. The Lincoln County War- The causes of the Lincoln County War were similar to those in the Colfax County. This controversy indirectly involved the Santa Fe Ring, centering on one of its...
