Chapter 26, Student Web Activities, The American Republic Since 1877, Glencoe, 2003

Social Studies, The American Republic Since 1877

Chapter 26: The Politics of Protest, 1960–1980
"Chávez and the UFW"

Introduction
As you learned in this chapter, César Chávez organized the United Farm Workers (UFW), a union whose members are primarily Hispanic American, to provide better working conditions for farm workers. His mission was to restore dignity to not just the migrant farm worker, but to all Hispanic Americans. Chávez stated, "How could we progress as a people . . . while the farm workers—men and women of our color—were condemned to a life without pride?" Through strikes, boycotts, marches, arrests, and prison, he worked to organize farm workers and to make the Hispanic American voice heard. For his dedication, he was posthumously awarded the Medal of Freedom—America's highest civilian honor.

Destination Title: United Farm Workers

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Directions
Start at the United Farm Workers Web site.

Click on the History topic at the top of the page.
Click on The Story of César Chávez and then The Rise of UFW topics. You may also listen to audio clips of famous Chávez speeches. Be sure to return to the "Home" page to review current activities by the Union.
Browse through the site, taking notes as you go.

After you have read through the information, answer the following questions.

1. Describe the social barriers that Chávez experienced early in life.

2. Describe the conditions under which farm workers labored in 1965.

3. What nonviolent methods of protest does the UFW employ? What current projects is the UFW pursuing, and what methods is it encouraging?

4. How have conditions changed for farm workers?

5. Chávez founded the UFW in 1962 with the hope that his union of farm workers would provide hope for all Hispanic Americans. On a separate sheet of paper, create a pamphlet in honor of the union's 40th anniversary that gives an overview of the UFW—from its inception to today.