by Alexis Chavez and Nick Burney

In this project we shall focus on the labor exploitations of the East European Jews in Eastern Europe, specifically in the Russian Pale of Settlement, during the late 19th century and, as immigrants, in New York City during the early 20th century.  Also, we shall explore the labor exploitations of Mexicans in Mexico, specifically in Puebla, during the mid-20th century and, as immigrants, in New York City during the past three decades (1980-present).

Mexican seasonal laborer bringing in sack of cotton from field to be weighed and emptied into wagon, Knowlton Plantation, Mississippi Delta/Wolcott, Marion Post, 1910-1990. Courtesy of Library of Congress.

Jewish life - Jewish peddler, New York City / George Grantham Bain Collection. Courtesy of Library of Congress.

• Click the top photo to learn more about the exploitations of Mexicans
• Click the bottom photo to learn more about the exploitations of Jews