Hispanic Americans participated fully in all combat campaigns of World War II (1939–45), both in the European and Pacific theaters. They fought side by side with non-Hispanic Americans for a common cause and a shared national purpose. Unlike black Americans, they experienced little discrimination in the armed forces. After the war they benefited from the GI Bill, which financed higher education and offered low-cost loans to buy homes and establish businesses.

Despite the sacrifices Hispanic Americans made in the defense of their country in World War II, the struggle for full acceptance as Americans in civilian life was far from over. However, the experience of war had changed their collective focus. Having lost comrades and risked their own lives to defend their country, Hispanic Americans became more conscious of the world outside their own communities. They were more determined...