What actions did Tijerina and the Alianza take in northern New Mexico during the 1960s?

Tijerina and the Alianza sought to address historical grievances related to land rights in northern New Mexico during the 1960s. They focused on claiming ownership of land grants that they believed had been unjustly taken from their ancestors. This movement was rooted in a desire to restore land to the descendants of Spanish and Mexican land grant holders. Their actions included not only legal claims but also more confrontational tactics, such as protests and occupations, particularly emphasizing their message through dramatic events like the Tierra Amarilla courthouse raid in 1967.

This approach galvanized attention to the rights of land grant heirs and shed light on the broader issues of cultural and social justice for Mexican Americans in the Southwest, marking a significant moment in the Chicano civil rights movement. The emphasis on confrontations was pivotal as it highlighted the urgent desire for recognition and restoration of rights and resources in a context where traditional avenues for redress had been largely ignored.