What are you thoughts of these workers in America?

Bracero Program Presented by: Mr. Gil

America at War On December 7th, 1941, Japan attacked Pearl Harbor The U.S. called upon its citizens to serve and fight in World War II Over 16 Million U.S. citizens served during the war

A Vacuum of Manpower The War caused a lack of labor force The U.S. needed to replace the workers that went off to war Where would these replacements come from?

Strong Arm In 1942, the Bracero Program began between U.S. and Mexico Initial jobs were in the agricultural field and then expanded into the railroads Between 1942 and 1964, Mexico sponsored 4.5 million guest workers

Get into pairs or small groups Begin online portion of lesson Follow directions on the guided notes

The End of the Program Before the war, workers entered the U.S. for seasonal work The Program required a standard of living, pay scale, housing, food,and medical care The workers were treated better in the U.S. than in Mexico Allowed the workers to send money home Encouraged others to cross the border, illegally, to get work “under the table” Caused the pay to go way down-exploited The Program deteriorated, leaving many without jobs, or taking jobs without any benefits or protection

The End of the Program The railroad program ended promptly after World War II –Returning G.I.s needed jobs The agricultural program ended in various ways by 1964 –Some people felt crop-picking was under them, or the work of peasants The end of the program created the United Farm Workers –Wanted worker’s rights that they no longer received –Cesar Chavez & Dolores Huerta “UVAS NO!”

Conclusion Write a 1/2 page about what the Bracero Program had to offer, the benefits, the criticism, and the overall feeling of the program.