Empire of Dreams (1880-1942)

Description

Widespread immigration to the U.S. from Latin countries begins - first with a small group from Cuba, then a larger one from Mexico. Both flee chaos and violence in their home country and seek opportunities in the United States. The first Puerto Rican arrivals establish a network in New York. We follow Juan Salvador Villaseñor's story; first through a grueling journey and poverty, then as a bootlegger, and finally as a successful businessman. During the 1920s, Mexicans and Mexican Americans build a thriving community in Los Angeles. But when the economic boom ends with the catastrophic Depression of the thirties, the pendulum swings. Immigrants are deported en masse. Emilia Castaneda loses her home and her family when she is deported to Mexico. Puerto Ricans, also caught in the depths of the Depression, rebel against U.S. rule on the Island, and eventually gain Commonwealth status from the U.S. Government.

Runtime

54 min

Series

Subjects

Geography

Genre

Date of Publication

[2014], c2013

Database

Films on Demand

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