Biography of: Cesar Chavez
Author: Deanna Tanner
Timeline
Leadership Style
Political Philosophy
Timeline
- March 31, 1927 Cesar Estrada Chavez born in Arizona
- 1937 Chavez's family becomes migrant workers
- 1943 Chavez begins grape farm work
- 1948 Chavez marries Helen Fabela
- 1958 Chavez becomes national CSO director
- 1962 Chavez quits CSO, forms NFWA
- 1965 first grape strike begins
- March 18, 1966 250 mile march on Sacramento
- February, 1968 Chavez begins fasting
- July 1968 grape strike ends
- April 23, 1993 Chavez dies
Leadership Style
The leadership style Chavez used could be considered to be democratic. Chavez was the main single figurehead. He held most of the power when it came to the organizing process of his organizations. He was the absolute leader of the National Farm Workers Association (NFWA). He shared some of his power when he merged with other unions.
As happens with most leaders, Chavez's popularity increased and decreased over time. When the cause really needed him he was perfect and few of his actions were questioned. Towards the end of the movement, around 1977, his following began to decline. Chavez was known to fire people who disagreed with him. Complaints were made that while he was good at starting an organization, he was not good at running one. When the crisis is over, many followers begin to resent the power of the leader.
Political Philosophy
Cesar Chavez was a radical, his political philosophy was innovative. Chavez was dissatisfied with the existing order and felt that migrant workers were being treated unfairly. He wanted to initiate non-violent reform. Chavez argued for change in the current system so that migrant workers could have a better way of life. His main obstacle was overcoming the established institution.
Chavez was completely devoted to nonviolence. In his words, "Nonviolence is not cowardice. A nonviolent person must not be fearful…He must know how to deal with people…When the growers beat us we do not fight back." (Falstein 41). Chavez modeled some of his actions after Gandhi. There were strikes, boycotts, and protest marches. At one point during the movement, he went on a fast, saying that it was an action of love for his followers and not a political statement.
Cesar Chavez truly believed in his cause. He sacrificed for and dedicated his life to the migrant workers. The movement he organized made better the lives of many people.
The truest act of courage,
The strongest act of manliness
Is to sacrifice ourselves
In a totally nonviolent struggle
For justice.
To be a man is to suffer
For others.
God help us be men. -Cesar Chavez March 1968
Works Cited
- Falstein, Mark. Freedom Fighters: Cesar Chavez. Globe Fearon Educational Publisher. Paramus, New Jersey. 1994.
- Taylor, Ronald B. Chavez and the Farm Workers. Beacon Press, Boston. 1975.
- Terzian, James and Kathryn Cramer. Mighty Hard Road. Pocket Books, New York, NY. 1972.
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