Who was César Chávez and what did he primarily advocate for?

Study for the APUSH Period 8 – Cold War and Civil Rights Test. Prepare with flashcards and multiple choice questions. Hone your knowledge in Cold War dynamics and civil rights movements. Excel in your exam!

César Chávez was a prominent labor leader who primarily advocated for the rights of farmworkers in the United States. He is best known for co-founding the United Farm Workers (UFW) in the 1960s, which aimed to improve conditions for agricultural laborers, many of whom were Hispanic and faced severe exploitation and poor working conditions.

Chávez's efforts included organizing strikes, boycotts, and marches to draw attention to the plight of farmworkers, culminating in significant actions such as the Delano grape strike. He worked tirelessly for better wages, labor contracts, and humane working conditions, making him a pivotal figure in both the labor movement and the broader struggle for social justice.

The focus on farmworkers' rights is central to understanding Chávez's legacy, as he sought to empower a marginalized group often overlooked in discussions about labor rights. This advocacy not only addressed immediate labor issues but also contributed to the growing momentum of the civil rights movement during the 1960s, broadening the civil rights conversation to include labor rights and social equity for all workers.

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