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Social Impact of the War
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Bracero Program
In agriculture, a shortage of farm laborers led the United States to seek help from Mexico. In 1942, an agreement between the two nations provided for transportation, food, shelter, and medical care for thousands of braceros, Mexican farm laborers brought to work in the United States. Between 1942 and 1947, more than 200,000 braceros worked on American farms and, occasionally, in other industries. -
Zoot Suit Riots
In the 1940s, some young Mexican Americans in Los Angeles began to wear an outfit known as the “zoot suit.” They wore long draped jacket and baggy pants with tight cuffs. “Zoot-suiters” often wore a slicked-back “ducktail” haircut. This look offended many people, especially sailors who came to Los Angeles on leave from nearby military bases.
