Many Mexican Americans are forced from their lands as mining and other developments lure settlers to the Southwest. 1897 Mexican-American Miguel A. Otero is appointed governor of New Mexico. One of the first Hispanic newspapers was El Mississippi , published in New Orleans. The Mexican Revolution begins. Many Mexicans move to the U.S. for safety and employment.
Mexican immigrants become a source of cheap farm labor in the Southwest.
U.S. Marines are detained by Mexican authorities at Tampico. Although Mexico apologizes, U.S. President Woodrow Wilson orders U.S. naval forces to bombard and occupy Veracruz to protect U.S. rights. U.S. troops stayed for ten months. More than 50,000 Mexicans are recruited to combat a labor shortage in the rapidly growing Southwest. The Sons of American is organized in San Antonio, Texas, to fight for equality and raise awareness of Mexican Americans' rights as U.S. citizens.