Comprised of various groups, the Hispanic Americans constitute the second largest ethnic minority group in the United States. The largest Hispanic American groups living in the United States are Mexican Americans, Puerto Ricans, Cubans, South and Central Americans. Of these, the Mexican Americans constitute the largest and oldest group. Puerto Ricans, the second largest group, have been U.S. citizens since 1917. The third largest group are the Cubans, most of whom reside in Florida. Individuals with a Filipino, Central or South American origin are estimated at over 2 million and reside mainly in the west and east coast urban areas of the U.S. Covering the time period from 8000 B.C. to 1975 A.D., this booklet presents information about the Hispanic American people and their contributions to United States life and history: (1) Pre-Hispanic Period 8000 B.C. to 1400 A.D., (2) the Hispanic Era 1500 to 1900 A.D., (3) Modern Hispanic American Period 1900 to 1975, (4) Hispanic Americans in the Armed Forces, and (5) Hispanic Americans in the National Education Association. A brief overview of the Hispanic American population is also included. (NQ)