What actions did Reies López Tijerina take regarding land grants in New Mexico during the 1960s?

Study for the New Mexico History EOC Exam. Enhance your understanding with flashcards and multiple-choice questions, all with hints and explanations. Be prepared for your test with us!

Reies López Tijerina is best known for his activism concerning land grants in New Mexico, particularly during the 1960s. He focused on the historical injustices faced by land grant communities, which were areas of land given to settlers by the Spanish and later Mexican governments. Tijerina argued that these lands had been unjustly taken from their rightful heirs after the U.S. annexed New Mexico.

In his efforts, Tijerina claimed land ownership based on these historical grants and even staged dramatic actions, including a takeover of a portion of the national forest at the historic land grant of Tierra Amarilla. This was a significant act aimed at drawing attention to the claims of the land grant communities and to protest the federal government's land policies. Tijerina's actions were pivotal in raising awareness about land grant issues and stimulated a broader Chicano movement that sought to reclaim cultural identity and rights.

While he did advocate for various civil rights issues, the primary and most notable focus during this time was on land rights through actions that directly involved claiming the land itself, making this choice the most reflective of his main activities during the 1960s.

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