1. What are you thoughts of these workers in America?

2. Bracero Program Presented by: Mrs. Riturban

3. 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

4. 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?

5. 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

6. Workers in Mexico City hoping to be contracted to work in the US, 1942

7. RECRUITMENT CENTERS

8. RECRUITMENT CENTERS ** Notice anything about gender and race?

9. RECRUITMENT CENTERS

10. DDT not just used on crops…

11. Braceros received an Alien Laborer's Permit and signed a contract, usually for 9-12 months, at the end of which they had to turn in their permits and return to Mexico.

12. Bracero Program: Documentation Although the bracero treaty called for contracts to be written in Spanish, often they were in English, and the braceros did not understand what they were agreeing to.

13. But what were the conditions like for the workers?

14. Idaho potato picker, 1950s

15. California, 1947

16. New Mexico chili harvest, 1950s

17. 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

18. 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!”

19. 1964: THE END Union leaders and others led outcry against abusive conditions (and undercutting of union wages) Increased mechanization of agriculture decreased demand for labor More liberal rights-focused politics in Washington (connections with other movements?)

20. 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. After the Program, was that the end of Migrant Labor? Explain today’s situation How is eating ethically: A local issue? A national issue? An international issue?