What are you thoughts of these
workers in America?
Bracero Program
Presented by:
Mr. Gil
America at War
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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
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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
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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
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Get into pairs or small groups
Begin online portion of lesson
Follow directions on the guided notes
The End of the Program
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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
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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.