Latino History

Latino history in what is now the United States goes back even before early Spanish colonization. As part of the largest ethnic group in the United States, Latinas and Latinos have significantly contributed to the nation’s identity and have played a vital role in shaping American culture. The Latino population in the United States has grown to over 60 million today, leaving a big impact on its democracy, economy, and culture. 

For centuries, Latino culture has influenced all areas of American life, including food, sports, business, politics, science, education, and the arts. Music and dance styles such as salsa and reggaeton have become popular nationwide thanks to artists like Celia Cruz and Bad Bunny. The achievements of legendary athletes like Roberto Clemente and Mariano Rivera have transformed the sports industry. Figures like Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor have been pioneers in their accomplishments. Artists like Roberto Lugo and Judy Baca draw on their unique experiences to push the boundaries of artistic expression. Artists and performers such as playwright Lin-Manuel Miranda and photographer Laura Aguilar have been strong advocates for increasing the representation of people of color in the entertainment industry. Throughout history, Latinas and Latinos have enriched the cultural landscape of the United States. 

While continuing to overcome struggles related to prejudice, injustice, racism, sexism, and more, the Latino community has broken barriers and achieved great success. The perseverance, resilience, creativity, dynamism, ingenuity, and more demonstrated throughout Latino history serves as inspiration and have paved the way for future generations of Latinas and Latinos. 

Early Latino History

Latino history in the Americas stretches back for many centuries before the arrival of European colonizers. The long, rich, and complex history begins with the diverse Indigenous populations, such as the Inca civilization. The gradual combination of unique cultures and traditions throughout Latino history has profoundly influenced and enriched the identity of the United States. 
  
In the late 1400s, Spanish colonists arrived and forcefully claimed the lands of numerous Indigenous populations across the region, including the Pueblo, Aztec, and Maya civilizations. These interactions and intermixing of cultures created the foundation of diverse Latino ancestry and heritage that has contributed to the multicultural development of the United States. 
  
Prior to European colonization, each Indigenous civilization had distinct traditions, beliefs, and social structures. The violence of colonization had a deep impact on these communities. Many had no choice but to live under colonial control and were weakened by new diseases brought by the colonists, like smallpox, measles, and influenza. 
  
At the same time, Africans and their descendants were enslaved throughout the Americas. When possible, they resisted and ​fled to escape slavery, sometimes alongside Indigenous peoples. Together, they worked to remake societies, which resulted in a mix of cultures and traditions. 
  
Learn about the consequences of Spanish and other European colonization. 
  
The Mexican-American War and the Spanish-American War have also had a large impact on Latino history. The Mexican-American War resulted in the signing of the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo, which granted the United States a significant amount of new territory, including the present-day states of California, Nevada, Utah, and most of New Mexico and Arizona. Many of the Mexicans living in those areas at the time became citizens of the United States. However, many longtime Mexican inhabitants experienced hardships after becoming citizens. As Anglo-Americans and Europeans traveled to these new areas, many Mexican inhabitants struggled to retain their land and other property, political representation, and cultural practices. 
  
In a similar expansion of the United States, the Spanish-American War ended in 1898 with the Treaty of Paris. Through this treaty, the United States gained several territories and islands, including Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Philippines. While the reach of the United States was expanded following this war, it again brought new hardships for the Latino communities living in these areas. 
  
​​Discover more about early Latino history. 
  
Throughout the long, multi-faceted history of the United States, Latinas and Latinos have made wide-ranging and significant ​​contributions to society. ​​Latina and Latino immigrants have arrived in the United States with diverse motivations to leave their home country, such as seeking greater economic prosperity and stability. Each unique story and experience continues to influence areas of American culture like food, music, business, sports, and politics. 
  
Learn more about Latin American immigration to the United States. 
  
The Latino community has made a mark on the diverse fabric of the United States as artists, entrepreneurs, scholars, athletes, activists, scientists, writers, inventors, and more. New generations continue to be inspired by the groundbreaking legacies of many Latinas and Latinos, such as: 

To learn more about how Latino history is impacting on the United States History, explore some of our online resources in this Digital Magazine.