Covering the period from 1819 to the present, this book presents the history of Chicanos in the United States with emphasis on the Southwest. The monograph is divided into 2 parts: (1) the U.S. conquest of the Southwest during the 19th century and (2) the experiences of Chicanos in the 20th century. In Part I, the historical myth that the Anglo American people brought democracy to the Southwest and "liberated" the area from Mexican tyranny is challenged by giving a historical overview of the U.S. Southwest. This overview covers the conquest of Mexico, the Mexican-American War, the methods of colonization in the Southwest, and instances of Mexican resistance against their oppressors. The conquest and colonization of Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, and California are discussed in separate chapters. Part II, "A Radical View of the 20th Century Chicano," discusses the importation of Mexicans, their migration patterns, public opinion towards their immigration, legislation pertaining to Mexicans, and education and religion in relation to the Mexicans. Several labor strikes, such as the Cantaloupe Strike, the Di Giorgio Strike, and the San Antonio Pecan Shellers' Strike, are discussed, along with the attempts by the Chicanos to unionize. The Chicano movement is also reviewed from its beginning to the present. A subject index is provided. (NQ)