This political history of Mexican Americans analyzes and interprets the last fifty years in the "movimiento." Written by a leading Chicano historian who spent many years as an activist, this study evolved from Juan Gomez-Quinones's participation and reflection.

Examined are the leaders and organizations that waged struggles for political rights as well as the evolution of their goals and strategies. Beginning in the 1940s, Mexican Americans viewed the advocacy process in party politics, coupled with the selected use of the courts, as effective means to redress problems. But by the...