1. Confronting “America”

2. Responses to Mexican Immigration Restriction & Deportation Americanization –Melting Pot Ideology –Targeted women & especially children –Church –School

3. Americanization Projects Emphasized classes in: –Hygiene –Civics –Cooking –Language –Vocational education (e.g., sewing, carpentry) Messages of emulation & assimilation were promoted

4. Ways Mexicans Interacted with El Paso Settlement Utilizing selected services Claiming “American” identities Using Clinics for immunizations Becoming missionaries

5. History In 1900, El Paso’s Mexican community numbered 8,748 By 1930, population had swelled to 68,476 From 1930 to 1960, only 1.8% of workforce held white-collar occupations

6. Goal of Missionaries Convert Mexican women to Methodism

7. Summary Mexican women blended their options and created their own paths