Latino History of Rhode Island

Ramos’s son Fernando (Freddie) is born in Central Falls (1921). In 1966, he rents family-owned apartments on Cowden Street to three Colombians, who arrived the previous year in Central Falls, to work in Lyon Silk Works, Inc. a textile mill owned by Joseph Giuttari. Later, he also helps Colombians who arrive in the 1970s with housing and jobs at Cadillac Mill & Pontiac Weaving. Freddie dies in 2007 in Arizona, at the age of 86.

Plutarco Elías Calles became President of Mexico. The 1924 Calles campaign was the first populist presidential campaign in Mexico's history when he called for land redistribution and promised equal justice, expanded education, further labor rights, and democratic governance. During his term, the United States and Mexico's tense relationship softened and the U.S. eventually extended formal diplomatic relations to Mexico.

Rafael Leónidas Trujillo Molina, nicknamed El Jefe, rules the Dominican Republic from February 1930 until his assassination in May 1961.

WWII breaks out, and lasts from 1939 to 1945

On August 4, 1942 the Bracero Program, one of the most important events in the history of U.S.-Mexican relations, is implemented. Under this program, the government encouraged Mexican citizens to come to the U.S. to relieve the massive labor shortage caused by WWII, particularly in agriculture.

“Operation Bootsrap” goes into effect, initiating a program of industrial and labor exchange between the U.S. mainland and Puerto Rico.

On February 16, 1959, Castro is sworn in as Prime Minister of Cuba. In 1960 most economic ties between Cuba and the United States are severed, and the U.S. breaks diplomatic relations with the island country in January 1961.