History ETDs

Publication Date

5-10-1993

Abstract

This thesis provides a comprehensive overview of the century-long struggle to enfranchise all the Indians in New Mexico. In the course of this study, the historical events that shaped the lives and aspirations of Native Americans are also explored. In addition, this thesis examines the evolution of United States Indian policy, and analyzes its influence on Indian suffrage. In particular, the study focuses attention on the impact of the territorial period, provisions in the state constitution, early statehood, the Collier years, as well as World War I, and World War II, and the events immediately after the war. Within these contexts, the manuscript also examines United States Indian policy regarding Indian citizenship and the influence of the Claims Commission and the courts in affecting change. This study highlights those people, both Indians and non-Indians, who came forward to champion voting rights and became active agents for change. The thesis concludes that although the struggle for voting rights was successful, New Mexico only begrudgingly accepted Indian suffrage after a long fight.

Level of Degree

Masters

Degree Name

History

Department Name

History

First Committee Member (Chair)

Margaret Connell-Szasz

Second Committee Member

John L. Kessell

Third Committee Member

Robert William Kern

Language

English

Document Type

Thesis

Comments

The UNMUL recognizes that due to its historical nature, this item may include racial and/or ethnic language and content that may be biased, harmful, and oppressive.

Download

Included in

History Commons

Share

COinS