Super Short Summary

Becoming Mexican American by George J. Sánchez explores how Mexican immigrants in Los Angeles between 1900 and 1945 adapted culturally, merging Mexican and American practices to create a unique Chicano identity, which was later instrumental in labor and political movements in the American Southwest. The book details Mexican immigrants' journeys, their experiences with Americanization and Mexicanization efforts, and the generational shifts that defined Chicano political and social identities. The narrative also covers the Great Depression, labor organizing, and racial discrimination against Mexican youth in Los Angeles. The book includes sensitive topics such as poverty, displacement, and racial discrimination.