The Chicano Movement was a period in this country of organization of ideas within the Mexican community. What made the time between 1960 and 1975 so unique was that the ideas being formed were breaking through ethnic boundaries. The government was finally beginning to recognize the problems that were being brought into the mainstream of society. People that were not of Mexican descent were shown what was happening in other social and economic groups. Local organizations gained strength and many started to campaign together in an attempt to raise public awareness. Education was at the top of this organization's priority list. People actively involved in the movement saw the need for a change in the system that for so long satisfied a narrow-minded society. There are several events that initially sparked the kindling of the Chicano Movement. The huge outcry by lower-middle class Mexican citizens was publicized more as people began to take action. These actions were not always legal or morally justified, but they did show the power behind the movement. The public saw many acts of violence against policemen and white businessmen. These acts were often the only thing seen by the general public, due in part to the press. There was much more to the movement than just this, however.
One man has often been given credit for showing what exactly the Chicano people were fighting for. That man was Cesar Chavez. He has been given credit for turning ideas of equality between races into a reality. The most well known and highly debated of his many undertakings was his involvement in the Delano Strike. This strike was the first major organization of minorities in the United States. Chavez used the outcome of this strike as a stepping-stone to organize movements among workers across the country. Chavez succeeded in changes being made in working conditions and government regulations of safety for all farm workers.