September 11, 1998
Miguel A. Bretos
Counselor to the Secretary for Latino Affairs
The Smithsonian Institution
February 2, 1848. Mexican and American plenipotentiaries signed the treaty of Guadalupe-Hidalgo. The treaty ended the war with Mexico and formalized the transfer of all of Mexico, from Texas to California, to U.S. sovereignty.
February 15, 1898. The USS Maine blew up in Havana harbor leading to the outbreak of the Spanish-American War. The war led to the occupation and/or annexation of Cuba, Guam and the Marianas, the Philippines and Puerto Rico.
Although half a century apart, 1848 and 1898 share a critical link. In each case, vast formerly Hispanic provinces and populations were brought into the orbit of the United States. The year 1998, therefore, will mark simultaneously the sesquicentennial of the Treaty of Guadalupe-Hidalgo, the centennial of the Spanish-American war.
Those events hold a remarkable significance for American history in general and the history of U.S. Latinos in particular. They are the source of much of our national cultural, ethnic and linguistic diversity. They are securely lodged in the American consciousness as dramatic milestones in the expansion of the new nation and the emergence of the U.S. as a world power. The significance of 1898 is not limited to the U.S.: modern Spanish history-la Generación de 98- is dated from that critical year.
From the perspective of the peoples forcibly brought into the national orbit in 1848 and 1898, the story is ambiguous and problematic. It is a story that has never been adequately or equitably told. Clearly, what was tantamount to conquest led to the subordination of the nation's new subjects. In the wake of annexation, for instance, the representation of Latinos and other people of color became often defamatory and caricaturized. This had been a tragic and enduring legacy.
1998 will evoke a national observance, and predictably the Smithsonian will play a significant role in that commemoration. In fact, some bureaus have a given 1898 observance preliminary attention. This is fitting as we approach the threshold of a new century and a new millenium.
This will be a unique moment for the Smithsonian to focus the nation's attention on the wondrous diversity of Ameri-ca and the unique role of Latinos in the development of our country. It will also be a remarkable opportunity to commit the Institution to specific programmatic objectives that are not only realistic in themselves but also eminently achievable given the relatively generous time frame available.
Furthermore, it will also be a remarkable juncture to involve the Latino community broadly, decisively, thoroughly, and early enough to make a difference. This includes exhibitions, symposia, publications, telecommunications-the entire panoply of resources available to the Smithsonian Institution. It further opens a unique opportunity to cooperate with like-minded individuals and institutions nationally and internationally.
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