Zoot Suit Riots

Young Mexican men stand outside a jail in Los Angeles, California, after police arrested them during the 1943 Zoot Suit Riots.

Era:

ERA 8: The Great Depression and World War II (1929–1945)

Keywords:

Hispanic American History Riots Zoot Suit Riots Civil Rights

Date Created:

Place Created: Los Angeles, California

Year Created: 1943

Historical Theme:

Civil Rights Identity Justice Race

Description: The Zoot Suit Riots were a series of racially charged violent clashes in Los Angeles from June 3 to June 8, 1943, during which U.S. servicemen, off‑duty police officers, and civilians attacked Mexican American youths, known as pachucos, who wore distinctive “zoot suits” characterized by broad‑shouldered jackets and baggy, tapered trousers.

Categories of Documents:

Web Address:

https://guides.loc.gov/latinx-civil-rights/people-v-zamorra

Los Angeles, California