Running Head: LA HISTORIA DE LA FAMILIA GONZALEZ-CUEVAS 1

La Historia De la Familia Gonzalez-Cuevas

Stephanie Gonzalez

CSUDH

History 301
 GONZALEZ 2

La Historia De la Familia Gonzalez- Cuevas

My family originated from Mexico, but a large majority of my family members

eventually immigrated to the United States as they got older. My paternal grandparents names

were: Maria Del Socorro Rodriguez and Jose Trinidad Gonzalez. They were both born and raised

in the city of Tepatitlan Jalisco, Mexico. My grandmother was born on August 18, 1933 and died

on May 14, 2010 and my grandfather was born on June 10, 191 and died on February 27,1993.

Together they had a total of fourteen children. My maternal grandparents are originally from a

different region in Mexico. My maternal grandmother Abigail Estrada was born on May 2, 1940

in Villa Corona Jalisco Mexico, and my grandfather Ruben Cuevas Sanchez was born on

December 15, 1936. Together they had six children. My parents are Abigail Gonzalez-Cuevas

born on February 6,1965 and my father is Jesus Gonzalez born on January 23,1955. I

interviewed my: mother, father, maternal grandfather, and cousin Lupita. As I have looked for

connections to not only U.S. history but world History I have seen patterns within my family.

Both of my grandparents were part of two different historical moments in history. My maternal

grandfather first came to the United States through the Bracero Program. My paternal

grandfather fought in the Cristero War which took place in 1926-1929. I will be analyzing the

historical trends within my family and their transition to American culture. My analysis will

consists of two different parts the first one will be my findings from my paternal family and the

other from my maternal family.

My paternal grandparents did not immigrate to the United States. My grandmother was

just thirteen years old when she married my grandfather and my grandfather was thirty four years

old. My grandmother was just a child when she married my grandfather, but this was very
 GONZALEZ 3

common in Mexico during this time. During my interview with my father Jesus Gonzalez he

stated that this was just how things were during this time, and that my grandmother had no

choice (personal communication, March 10,2017). I was confused by what my father meant by

my grandmother having no choice in being married. Women have always been oppressed by men

ince the beginning of time, but my grandmother was one day taken away from her parents. My

grandfather picked her up on his horse and took her away from her family. My grandmother had

no idea what to do, and after she was forced to marry my grandfather her family did not accept

her back into her home. My paternal grandparents got married on August 03, 1947.My father

also stated during the interview that despite everything my grandmother did love my grandfather.

They had fourteen children together. During this period of time it was normal for couples to

have more children than they do now. Fertility rates were very high in Mexico up until the year

of 1960 (Tuiran et al., 2002). This research shows that after the sixties the average household in

Mexico had about six children (Tuiran et al., 2002). This means that my grandparents continued

to have multiple children despite what statistics show during this time. During my interview

with my father I asked him why they had so many children? My father said that my grandmother

loved children and that she never stopped wanting more children (personal communication,

March 10,2017).

My paternal grandfather fought in the Cristero War which took place in Mexico between

the years of 1926-1929. The Cristero War was a very dark time in Mexico. This war consisted of

religious persecution from the Mexican government (Franco, 2006). The majority of the

population in Mexico was Roman Catholic, and the people that participated in this war were

defending their faith. President Plutarco Elias Calles established a law in which he prohibited

any religious practices pertaining to the Roman Catholic Church (Franco,2006). My grandfather
 GONZALEZ 4

passed away long ago, but I was able to learn about my grandfathers experience in the Cristero

War through the interview with my father. My dad says that my grandfather was only part of the

Cristero War briefly, because of the death of his brother. My grandfathers brother was killed in

his sleep, because he was an influential leader during this war. My dad stated that my grandfather

was very affected by the death of his brother, because this was the brother he was closest to. My

dad says he cannot remember what his name was, but he believes his name was Samuel

Gonzalez. The Cristero War was not just a war that was fought in the battlefield, but it was a war

that was fought by the people. Franco states that most the population contributed to fighting this

war by helping priests stay in their homes and helping priesst practice mass (Franco, 2006). The

Cristero War is very well known in Mexico for the many martyrs that died defending their faith.

My dad states that in his home town of Tepatitlan Jalisco Mexico there was a priest who was a

martyr his name was el Padre Ubiarco (2017, March 10). To this day there is a church in

Tepatitlan that was built in honor of his memory. My grandfather fought for his religion, because

he felt that no one should ever be able to take that away from him. His religion was a sacred and

important part to him, and he felt the need to risk his life for it. There were thousands of priests

that died defending their religion during this time and they are known as the Cristero martyrs

(Rivero del Val,1989). The priests that were killed were often shot or hung inside of the

churches, because the military was ordered to kill any priests they saw practicing any form of

Catholicism (Rivero del Val,1989). My grandfathers participation is relevant to world history,

and it is significant in my family because this is a constant reminder that my grandfather fought

for our religious freedom. My family has always thanked my grandfather, because without

people like him that fought we might to this day not be able to practice Catholicism.
 GONZALEZ 5

Catholicism is a common aspect in my family. While interviewing each of my family

members I realized the importance religion played in their lives. While interviewing my parents I

learned a lot about the things they experienced with religion as children. My parents were raised

in a homes where being Catholic was mandatory. My parents came from different socioeconomic

backgrounds, but one thing they had in common was that they both attended private Catholic

schools despite the fact that my grandparents from my maternal side had financial problems they

worked very hard so that their children could receive not only a better quality education, but an

education where the focus was centered around God. My parents were raised with the idea of

having to attend daily mass and praying several times a day. I noticed that their religious patterns

have changed after they came to this country. The majority of Mexican citizens are known for

their Catholic faith, but Mexican Americans are not as devoted to Catholicism (Donoso, 2014). I

noticed this was the case with people among my family who identify to be more American. My

cousin Lupita stated in our interview that she was raised to be Catholic and that now as an adult

she doesnt really practice the religion (2017, 12 March). My cousin Lupita says that although

she still considers herself Catholic she does not attend weekly masses like she did when she was

a child.There is a pattern in the family with people distancing themselves more from Catholicism

as a result to exposure to American culture.

My paternal grandmother Maria Del Socorro did not like coming to the United States. As

I remember she only came to visit a few times. She always thought of the United States as a

separation between her and her children. My grandmother hated the idea that most of her

children lived in the United States, because they were so far away from her. My paternal

grandfather had wealth, but unfortunately, he did not share his wealth with his family. My dad

had to start working at the young of seven. During his interview, he stated that when he was a
 GONZALEZ 6

child he had endless amounts of jobs, because his family needed multiple incomes in their

household (personal communication, March 10, 2017). My dad says they were never considered

poor, but he never wanted his family to suffer from hunger. My father is the fourth oldest in the

family, and he quickly took on the responsibilities that belonged to my grandfather. Many of my

aunts and uncles to this day consider my dad like their father since, my father was there to

support them during difficult times in their lives.

 GONZALEZ 7

Figure 1.1

Figure 1.1 is a photo of my dads family. From left to right: my aunt Nena, my

grandmother, my father (the baby in the picture), my uncle Miguel, and my aunt Celia. This

picture is the only photo that my father has from his childhood. The picture was taken

approximately during the end of the year 1955. My father stated that this picture was taken by a

photographer that went to his house during this time. I asked my father if this was part of a

special occasion, but my father said there was no special occasion for this picture. The fact that

my dad has a photo from this period of time reflects the fact his family had wealth. Although, my

grandfather did not contribute much of his wealth to the family the fact that there was a

photographer that took this picture shows they had wealth. As opposed to my interview with my

mother I asked her if she had any photos from her childhood, and she said she had none because

they were very poor (personal communication, March 10, 2017).

My father first immigrated to the United States on July 15, 1972. My father came to this

country with nothing. All he had was hope to improve his life. While interviewing my father he

stated that he never expected to live here for the rest of his life. My father stated that he did not

have a hard time adapting to American culture. When my dad first immigrated to United States

he lived in Southern California in the city of Torrance. My dad did not work with agriculture as

many immigrants did during this time. He has had three different jobs in this country which

were: at a Chinese food restaurant, at a plastic company, and his current job is as a driver for

Avis. My dad says that he never experienced racism. I believe the reason why he never

experienced racism was because of the color his skin. My dads physical appearance makes him

look as if he is Caucasian. I believe this is a major reason as to why he has been able to blend
 GONZALEZ 8

into American society. Unlike my mother who stated during her interview that she has

experienced racism in this country for looking Mexican. My father came to this country

illegally multiple times. During his interview, he stated that he would go back and forth with no

complications. Having no legal documents was not an issue for my father.

My father stated that one of the biggest blessings in his life was Ronald Reagsns

amnesty act. It was in 1986 when my dad was able to become a legal resident of the United

States. The Immigration Reform and Control Act gave people the legal permission to live in this

country if they had proof they had been living in this country since 1982 (Linder,2006). My dad

like multiple people in my family were able to finally have the sufficient documents to formally

belong to American society. Many people were heavily against this act, because they felt that this

would encourage more undocumented immigrants to come to the United States (Linder, 2006).

One of the main purposes for this act was to lower the amount of undocumented immigrants in

this country (Linder ,2006). Although, many people were against this act it is because of this act

that my family can live peacefully in this country without the fear of deportation. My father was

able to work and to pursue the life he aspired to have.

When my father was granted legal residence in the United States in 1986 he felt as if he belonged

in this country. My dad continued to travel back and forth to Mexico since his family still lived

in Mexico. On April 30, 1989, my father and my mother first met. Two months after they met

they got married on July 18,1989. My mom knew that when she married my father she would

have to move to the United States. My mom stated that it was difficult to leave her family behind

in Mexico, but that she was excited to start a new life with her husband in the United States

(personal communication, March 10,2017).

 GONZALEZ 9

My mothers transition to the United States was not as difficult as it was for other

immigrants, because she entered the United States with a Visa. My mom did not have to go

through the struggle of coming here illegally like my father did. She overstayed her Visa and

later was able to apply for legal residency when my dad became a naturalized citizen. Their

experiences are much different to one another. My dad was disadvantaged in that he had to come

to the country with no documents, and as mentioned previously he did not find it difficult to

cross the border illegally.

My mom was very fortunate that she did not have to cross the desert for instance like

many immigrants have to when coming to the country illegally. My mother came to this country

in love with my father and with hope and faith that they would live a long happy life together.

My mother stated that it was very difficult for her to leave everything behind in Mexico, but that

it was what she really wanted to do. Growing up my mother had a very difficult childhood. She

is one of six children. My maternal grandparents struggled financially, and she stated during her

interview that there were many times where her and her family had no money (personal

communication, March 10,2017).

My maternal grandfather unlike my paternal grandfather came to the United States to

work several times. After interviewing with my grandfather, he shared with me a few of his

experiences in the Bracero program. My grandfather didnt go into too much detail of the terrible

ways he was treated, but he did share with me some valuable information. My grandfather came

to the United States a few times prior to the Bracero program as an illegal immigrant. My

grandfather came to United States to work out in the fields during the year of 1936 (personal

communication, March 10, 2017). He said it was very difficult to work out in the fields and he

was very young. He came to United States to work when he was about thirteen years old with his
 GONZALEZ 10

older brothers to Fresno California. The Bracero program impacted thousands and thousands of

families, because only the men could come to the country in search of employment

(Martinez,1958). My grandfather says that he faced a lot of discrimination for being Mexican.

Martinez found that the overall social effects that were caused from the Bracero program were

that Mexicans and Mexican Americans experienced prejudice behaviors and racism in their

communities (1958). The Bracero programs was established as an agreement between Mexico

and United States, and it was supposed to give men the opportunity to work in the United States,

and it lasted from 1942-1964 (Martinez, 1958). Unfortunately, many people like my grandfather

had no other choice, but to come this country, and try to improve their living situation.

My maternal grandfather definitely passed on his work ethic to all his children. My mom stated

that throughout her childhood her father told them that the key to success in life with was ones

work ethic (personal communication, March 10, 2017). When my mother married my father she

knew that her success in this country depended on the effort she put into it. Together they were

able to establish their own traditions in American society. The began to assimilate into American

society by learning the language. My dad didnt want Americans to look at them, and to think

that they were invading their country. My parents put in a lot of effort in learning to speak

English.

My mother and fathers experiences with American ideals and democracy have been both

positive and negative. My dad has never experienced racism and he has been able to blend in

with American society. My mother has experienced racism, because of the color of her skin, and

because of the accent she has when she speaks English. My dad appreciates American

democracy, and he stated that we have to be grateful for democracy (personal communication,

March 10,2017).
 GONZALEZ 11

My family experiences are both different and similar to those found in Becoming

American, Becoming Ethnic. After reading Shana Rivas narrative I can relate to her feeling a

division among two different cultures. Shana Rivas is bicultural as she also identifies as being

Puerto Rican. (Dublin, 1996)I relate to her in that she says her father had to make sacrifices to

provide for the family. I can relate this to the experiences of my father in that he had to sacrifice

his education to be the provider of the family. My father had to make many sacrifices similar to

Shanas dad. My father like Shanas father wanted to get an education, but because of financial

hardships he had to abandon his aspirations of being educated. Shanas experiences made me

reflect about the sacrifices both of my parents had to make when coming to this country. My

parents had different experiences to one another, but regardless of their differences they have

both experienced hardships.

I do not relate to the experiences of Melissa Algranati. Melissa Algranati states that she

did not feel like she could identify with the cultures she is a part of (Dublin, 1996). Algranatai

had to really reflect when she was asked when she was asked what her ethnicity was. In my

family it has always been clear that I am Mexican. Even though we celebrate American holidays

such as Thanksgiving we still incorporate our own Mexican traditions. My parents and other

family members constantly tell me that I will always be Mexican no matter what. Algranati felt

that she could not identify with her ethnic cultures since there was such a variety of ethnic

cultures in her family (Dublin, 1996).

My family history is that of a common Mexican- American family. My parents have

adapted well to the idea of being a part of American culture. My paternal grandparents did not

like the idea that their children were assimilating into American culture, because they feared they

would abandon their Mexican roots. My maternal grandparents are proud of their children that
 GONZALEZ 12

have established independent lives in the United States. Through the analysis of the historical

perspectives in my family I have gained a lot of knowledge regarding the experiences various

family members went through. This new knowledge I have gained has shaped my understanding

of my identity as an American citizen. I am an American citizen, because my parents took the

risk of starting their lives in a new country away from their homeland. I am proud of being

Mexican- American, and being part of two cultures will always be a part of my identity. The

historical connections in the family really connect to the overall beliefs and traditions that thrive

in my family.
 GONZALEZ 13

References
Cuevas, L. (2017, March 9, 2017). Personal Interview.

Cuevas, R. (2017, March 10). Personal Interview

Donoso, J. C. (2015, December 8). On religion, Mexicans are more Catholic and often more
traditional than Mexican Americans. Retrieved April 4, 2017, from
http://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2014/12/08/on-religion-mexicans-are-more-
catholic-and-often-more-traditional-than-mexican-americans/

Dublin, T. (1996). Becoming American, becoming ethnic: college students explore their roots.
Philadelphia: Temple University Press.

Franco, F. G. (2006). Rebeldia Cristera. Tepatitlan , Jalisco: Consejo de crontistas de cuidad

de Tepatitlan de Morelos Jalisco.

Gonzalez, A. (2017, March 10). Personal Interview.

Gonzalez, J. (2017, March 10). Personal Interview.

Linder, J. (2006). The Amnesty Effect: Evidence from the 1986 Immigration Reform and
Control Act .

Martinez, D. (n.d.). The impact of the Bracero Programs on a Souther California Mexican-
American Community. 1958.

Rivero de Val, L. (1989). Entre las patas de los Caballos. Mexico D.F.

Tuiran, R., Partida, V., Mojarro, O., & Zuniga, E. (2002). Fertility in Mexico: Trends and
Forecast . 483-506.