Mexican Americans in World war I and World war II Research Paper

Mexican Americans in World war I and World war II - Research Paper Example Introduction United Sates of America is an amazing blend of different cultures. The demographic profile is very diverse having multi-cultural and multi-lingual identities. These identities generally include Hispanic and Latino Americans, American Indians, Asian, Black or African Americans and other Pacific Islanders. In United States, Mexican Americans basically involve those inhabitants living in America having Mexican Descent. This ethnic group makes up 16.3% of the total population of United States in 2010. Mexican Americans include 66% Hispanic and Latinos as well. United States is considered the second largest home for this community. A great portion of this community also resides in Canada. In 2008 there were about 7 million Mexican Americans who were undocumented but living in United States. Most of these people are the successors of native Mexicans. Some also belong to Europeans especially the Spaniards. The history of this ethnic group is wide ranging. It is round about four hundred years old. The history varies from one region to another. In the early 1900, there were so many Hispanics residing in New Mexico, Texas and California. Most of them were the successors of native Mexican, European and Spanish settlers. These settlers arrived to this region during Spanish colonial periods. So, the lineage of Mexican Americans can be traced back to early settlers of the colonial periods. History of Mexican Americans’ Contribution to US Cause It is the history of Mexican Americans that they always served United States especially in war conditions. When we look at history, we can observe that in 1861 when civil conflicts erupted in America, the Mexican Americans predominantly those situated in Texas at that time served directly or indirectly for the betterment of US. They also worked and participated voluntarily in Union Army and several other units. 10,000 personnel also served in the regular army. This ethnic group always showed extraordinary commitment and horsemanship. To facilitate their efforts, the US government had also set up four companies to utilize maximum from their services. Medal of Honors were also established by the government to facilitate those who risk their lives for their country. Hispanic and Mexican Americans received these honors for their commendable services in Civil War. Till 1898, the two previously mentioned ethnic groups scattered across the country as regular army officers and created a small, yet professional composition of personnel. Mexican Americans: Great Contributors to America’s Defense History reveals the truth that there were several Mexican Americans who served in First and Second World War with great devotion. Not only men but women also participated equally. Many men and women served in armed forces with their maximum possible dedication and loyalty. John P. Schmal writes about the publication of Defense Department. This publication declared â€Å"when our country has been in need, Hispanic Americans have had more than their share of stouthearted, indomitable men. Their intrepid actions have been in the highest tradition- a credit to themselves, their ancestry, and our nation.† So, Mexican Americans were the people who had greatly risked their lives to save and combat United States. While talking about American men during World War II, Richard Santillan mentioned that Mexican American clearly distinguished during combats for United States. They were so devoted and loyal to the