Chicano Nations argues that the trans-nationalism that is central to Chicano identity originated in the global, postcolonial moment at- the turn of the nineteenth century rather than as an effect of contemporary economic conditions, which began in the mid nineteenth century and primarily affected the labouring classes. The Spanish empire then began to implode, and colonists in the ""new world"" debated the national contours of the viceroyalties. This is where Marissa K. Lopez locates the origins of Chicano literature, which is now and always has been ""post-national,"" encompassing the wealthy