There is no doubt that World War II had a great impact on our nation as a whole. Indeed, war required change and sacrifice for most individuals and was seen as a patriotic duty. As with any life-changing event, World War II had both positive and negative consequences. Significant changes took place during World War II that directly affected Mexicans in the United States. While there have been some positive effects nationally, most notable are the negative effects that have impacted Mexican communities in Los Angeles, California. This is what became known as the Zoot Suit Riots. To understand the Mexican community's perspective on their treatment during the riots, one must first understand how the Mexican community came to be established in Los Angeles and the factors that contributed to increased hatred of the general public towards him. young men who have left jobs such as farm or factory workers vacant. The federal government then launched the Bracero program, which brought Mexican nationals to fill these positions and, along with the workers, their families. Many Mexican nationals also had children here in America and those children were Mexican Americans. These young people had difficulty identifying with anyone and were considered degenerates. Added to this point of view were the living conditions of their neighborhoods called barrios. Barrios quickly appeared near major employers and were known for their dirty streets, small huts, and lack of sanitation, running water, or other municipal services. As young people were unable to establish themselves among other young people, they formed their own groups called gangs. Gangs formed...... middle of paper ......panish. They would also inform English speakers of the Mexican contribution to the war. This would most likely include recognition of the 350,000 Mexican-Americans who have not only served in the armed forces, but have also earned seventeen Medals of Honor. Additionally, Los Angeles County held a workshop for teachers of Mexican students so they could provide better assistance. Political organizations would now support Chicano candidates and help Mexicans take language and citizenship classes and obtain government services. In conclusion, it would do our nation good if we could all remember and live out the words of Martin Luther King. “Injustice anywhere poses a threat to justice everywhere. Therefore, no American can afford to remain apathetic about the issue of racial justice. It's a problem that every man faces at his doorstep..”