Term Paper on "New Mexico History"

Term Paper 4 pages (1367 words) Sources: 2

[EXCERPT] . . . .

Fed Them Cactus" by Fabiola Cabeza de Baca and "A Zuni Life" by Virgil Wyaco. Specifically, it will compare the two books. Each of these books is quite important in New Mexican history, because they represent two of the cultures who settled and created what is now the state of New Mexico. One of the memoirs is told from the Spanish and Hispanic point-of-view, while the other gives a Native American point-of-view. Both of these views are essential in understanding the foundation of New Mexico's colorful history. They illustrate two very different and diverse cultures that have had to blend together and survive hardships in order to create the modern state of New Mexico.

In "We Fed Them Cactus," the descendent of a Spanish conquistador remembers her family's ranch in the Llano Estacado (great or Staked Plains) of New Mexico, and she celebrates her Spanish ancestry. She also gives a rich account of the geography, politics, and culture of New Mexico in the early days of settlement, and shows how so much of the fabric of New Mexico depends on the Hispanics who settled the area hundreds of years ago. One of the details she covers is the many names that have come from Spanish sources throughout the state. She also follows the history into the twentieth century when she taught school in a tiny schoolhouse in rural New Mexico.

De Baca discusses ranching and sheepherding, the adobe ranchos of the area, the rodeos, the natural world, the music, lifestyle, and culture of her friends and neighbors. She is steeped in the Hispanic culture of the area, and stresses that over all other New Mexican cultures and experiences. She also talks about how the Comanches and the Hispanics managed to live together in relative harmony for over a century until the American ranchers came and drove the Natives from their homeland. Eventually, they ran the ranchers off much of their land, as well.

Wyaco's book, "A Zuni Life" discusses his life in the Pueblo of Zuni from a Native American point-of-view. He relates some of the folklore of his people, how they lived in the Zuni pueblo, the poverty they experienced, Indian Schools, and his growth from youth to young man. He talks a lot about his experiences during World War II, and his struggle to make something of himself after the war ends. After achieving success in the white world, he returns to Zuni and becomes a respected tribal leader.

Both the writers have a wonderful sense of the land and the geography. It is clear from their descriptions that the land was important, even vital to their lives, and their descriptions show a part of the country that has nearly disappeared. De Baca notes there are springs and lakes even in this arid environment. She writes, "It is unbelievable that in a country where rain is scant, there can be so many springs gushing from the earth in the most secluded places. There are lakes all along the land, some made by rains, some fed by springs from the hills."

Wyaco writes of the importance of his connection to the natural world after his retirement. He says, "We have two acres in the back yard in which my wife and I keep a garden, much of it in sweet corn and chile. My wife insists on growing onions, carrots, cabbages, radishes, and tomatoes as well, like the traditional Zuni woman she is. I do a lot of weeding."

Rain is part of the natural world that both writers celebrate, as well. In an arid desert land, it is not surprising rain plays an important part in both the books. De Baca writes, "Rain for us made history. It brought to our minds days of plenty, of happiness and security, and in recalling past events, if they fell on rainy years, we never failed to stress that fact."

Wyaco's book opens with the statement that it snowed on the day he was born, and then defines rain and snow for the reader. He calls the rain "blessed," and this indicates… READ MORE

How to Reference "New Mexico History" Term Paper in a Bibliography

Related Term Papers:

History-u.S. (Before 1865) Manifest Destiny Essay

History-U.S. (before 1865)

Manifest Destiny

Manifest Destiny is a concept that heavily influenced American policy during 1800's. This idea was the driving force behind the rapid expansion of America into… read more

Essay 1 pages (375 words) Sources: 1 Style: MLA Topic: American History / United States

---

History of the Chicano in Los Angeles Term Paper

History Of the Chicano in Los Angeles

is widely considered to be a country of immigrants and its culture one that was created as a result of the mixture of… read more

Term Paper 4 pages (1417 words) Sources: 1+ Style: MLA Topic: Latin America / Mexico / Caribbean

---

Compare and Contrast Two Minority Cultures in NM Essay

New Mexico: Mexican-Americans and Native Americans

New Mexico is particularly recognized for the multitude of cultures residing within its borders. Although a great deal of people cannot tell the difference… read more

Essay 3 pages (1015 words) Sources: 12 Topic: Native American Indians

---

We Fed Them Cactus Book Report

Cultural Differences New Mexican History: We Fed Them Cactus by Fabiola Cabeza De Baca

The story of the early pioneers of the American west has been told and re-told. However,… read more

Book Report 4 pages (1406 words) Sources: 1 Topic: Family / Dating / Marriage

---

History Between 1800 and 1850 Essay

history between 1800 and 1850, and how it affected Indians, Blacks, Whites, and Mexicans. Eighteen-hundred through 1850 was a crucial time in American history. The fledgling nation was going through… read more

Essay 2 pages (616 words) Sources: 1 Style: MLA Topic: American History / United States

---

View 100+ more related papers  >>