🤠Texas History Unit 1 – Early Texas History

Key Events and Timeline

• Prehistoric period (before 1500s) indigenous peoples inhabit Texas region for thousands of years
• 1519 Spanish explorer Alonso Álvarez de Pineda maps the Texas coastline
• 1528 Álvar Núñez Cabeza de Vaca shipwrecked on Galveston Island, lives among native tribes for several years
• 1685 French explorer Robert Cavelier de La Salle establishes Fort St. Louis near Matagorda Bay
• 1690 Spanish establish first mission in East Texas, San Francisco de los Tejas
• 1718 San Antonio de Béxar Presidio and Mission San Antonio de Valero (later known as the Alamo) founded
• 1803 Louisiana Purchase by the United States, increasing American interest in Texas
• 1821 Mexico gains independence from Spain, Texas becomes part of the Mexican state of Coahuila y Tejas
• 1824 Mexican Constitution establishes a federal republic and grants land to American settlers
• 1830 Mexican government passes laws limiting American immigration and banning slavery
• 1835-1836 Texas Revolution, Texas gains independence from Mexico
• 1836 Republic of Texas established with Sam Houston as president
• 1845 Texas annexed by the United States as the 28th state

Indigenous Peoples of Texas

• Diverse groups of native peoples inhabit Texas for thousands of years before European arrival
• Nomadic hunter-gatherer tribes (Lipan Apache, Comanche, Karankawa) follow seasonal migration patterns
• Sedentary agricultural tribes (Caddo, Wichita, Jumano) establish permanent settlements
• Puebloan peoples (Ysleta del Sur Pueblo) in western Texas and the El Paso area
• Tribes develop complex social structures, trade networks, and cultural traditions
  • Caddo Confederacy unites several tribes for political and economic cooperation
  • Comanche emerge as dominant military power on the southern Plains by the 18th century
• European contact introduces new diseases, technologies, and trade goods, disrupting traditional ways of life
• Indigenous peoples resist Spanish, Mexican, and American colonization efforts, leading to conflicts and displacement

European Exploration and Colonization

• Spanish expeditions (Cabeza de Vaca, Coronado) explore Texas in the 16th century, seeking wealth and trade routes
• French establish short-lived colony, Fort St. Louis, on the Texas coast in 1685
• Spanish respond to French incursion by establishing missions and presidios in East Texas
  • Missions (San Francisco de los Tejas, San Antonio de Valero) aim to convert indigenous peoples to Christianity
  • Presidios (San Antonio de Béxar) provide military protection for the missions and settlers
• Spanish colonization efforts face challenges from the harsh environment, disease, and native resistance
• European powers compete for control of the region, with Spain eventually claiming Texas as part of New Spain
• Introduction of European horses, cattle, and agricultural practices transform the Texas landscape and economy

Spanish Texas

• Spain establishes a system of missions and presidios to colonize Texas and convert indigenous peoples
• Missions serve as centers of religious, cultural, and economic activity
  • Franciscan friars teach Christianity, European agriculture, and trades to native converts
  • Mission San Antonio de Valero (the Alamo) becomes a significant site in Texas history
• Presidios provide military protection and support for the missions and settlers
• Spanish ranching traditions (vaqueros) introduce cattle and horse husbandry to the region
• Spain offers land grants to encourage settlement, but the population remains sparse
• Conflicts with indigenous tribes, disease, and the harsh environment hinder Spanish colonization efforts
• Texas remains a remote and sparsely populated frontier of New Spain until Mexican independence in 1821

Mexican Texas

• Mexico gains independence from Spain in 1821, and Texas becomes part of the Mexican state of Coahuila y Tejas
• Mexican government encourages American immigration to Texas through land grants and colonization contracts
  • Empresarios (Stephen F. Austin) recruit settlers and establish colonies
  • Anglo-American population in Texas grows rapidly, outnumbering Mexican settlers
• Tensions rise between Anglo-American settlers and the Mexican government over issues of autonomy, taxation, and slavery
• Mexican government attempts to assert control over Texas through the Law of April 6, 1830, which limits American immigration and bans slavery
• Centralization of Mexican government under Santa Anna leads to increased unrest among Texians (Anglo-American settlers)
• Conflicts (Anahuac Disturbances, Battle of Velasco) escalate tensions and set the stage for the Texas Revolution

Texas Revolution

• Growing tensions between Texians and the Mexican government lead to the outbreak of the Texas Revolution in 1835
• Texians resist Mexican attempts to enforce the Law of April 6, 1830, and demand greater autonomy
• Key events and battles shape the course of the revolution
  • Battle of Gonzales (October 2, 1835) marks the beginning of armed conflict
  • Siege of Béxar (October-December 1835) results in Texian capture of San Antonio
  • Battle of the Alamo (February-March 1836) becomes a symbol of Texian resistance and sacrifice
  • Goliad Massacre (March 27, 1836) hardens Texian resolve against Mexican rule
  • Battle of San Jacinto (April 21, 1836) secures Texian victory and independence
• Texas Declaration of Independence (March 2, 1836) formally declares Texas an independent republic
• Important figures (Sam Houston, Stephen F. Austin, William B. Travis) emerge as leaders of the Texian cause
• Treaty of Velasco (May 14, 1836) establishes Texas as an independent nation, although Mexico refuses to recognize its legitimacy

Republic of Texas

• Texas becomes an independent nation, the Republic of Texas, following the Texas Revolution in 1836
• Sam Houston elected as the first president of the Republic of Texas
• Republic faces challenges in establishing a stable government, economy, and international recognition
  • Financial difficulties, including debt and lack of a stable currency
  • Ongoing conflicts with Mexico, which refuses to recognize Texas independence
  • Struggles to maintain control over vast territory and diverse population
• Texas pursues annexation by the United States, but faces opposition from anti-slavery factions
• Significant events and policies shape the development of the Republic
  • Capital moves from Houston to Austin in 1839
  • Texas Navy established to protect the coastline and engage in naval warfare with Mexico
  • Homestead Act of 1839 grants land to settlers, encouraging immigration and economic growth
  • Treaties with Native American tribes (Comanche, Kiowa) attempt to establish peace and boundaries
• Republic of Texas lasts for nearly a decade until annexation by the United States in 1845

Important Figures and Leaders

• Sam Houston: Commander of the Texian Army during the Texas Revolution, first President of the Republic of Texas, and later U.S. Senator and Governor of Texas
• Stephen F. Austin: Known as the "Father of Texas," he led the first Anglo-American colonization efforts and played a key role in the Texas Revolution
• William B. Travis: Commander of the Texian forces at the Alamo, his letters from the siege became a rallying cry for the revolution
• James Bowie: Texian soldier and commander at the Alamo, known for his bravery and the famous Bowie knife
• Davy Crockett: Legendary frontiersman and Congressman who fought and died at the Alamo
• Antonio López de Santa Anna: President of Mexico and commander of the Mexican forces during the Texas Revolution
• Mirabeau B. Lamar: Second President of the Republic of Texas, known for his aggressive policies towards Native Americans and his support for education
• Lorenzo de Zavala: Mexican politician who supported the Texas Revolution and served as the first Vice President of the Republic of Texas
• Juan Seguín: Tejano soldier and politician who fought for Texas independence and later served as a Senator in the Republic of Texas
• Anson Jones: Last President of the Republic of Texas, he played a key role in the annexation of Texas by the United States

Cultural and Social Developments

• Blending of diverse cultures (indigenous, Spanish, Mexican, Anglo-American) creates a unique Texan identity
• Tejano culture emerges as a fusion of Mexican and Spanish traditions in Texas
  • Tejano music, art, and cuisine reflect the blending of cultural influences
  • Tejano ranching traditions (vaqueros) shape the development of the Texas cattle industry
• Anglo-American settlers bring their own cultural traditions and values to Texas
  • Protestant Christianity, particularly Methodism and Baptism, becomes prevalent among Anglo-Texans
  • Southern cultural influences, including slavery and cotton agriculture, take root in Texas
• Frontier lifestyle shapes social norms and values
  • Emphasis on self-reliance, individualism, and personal liberty
  • Cattle and horse husbandry become central to Texas culture and economy
• Education and literacy expand with the establishment of schools and universities
  • Mirabeau B. Lamar, second President of the Republic of Texas, champions public education
  • Baylor University (1845) and the University of Texas (1883) founded to promote higher education
• Cultural clashes and racial tensions persist between Anglo-Texans, Tejanos, and indigenous peoples

Economic Factors and Resources

• Agriculture, particularly cotton and cattle, form the backbone of the Texas economy
  • Cotton production expands rapidly with the introduction of slavery and the plantation system
  • Cattle ranching emerges as a major industry, with the iconic Texas Longhorn becoming a symbol of the state
• Land and natural resources drive economic growth and settlement patterns
  • Abundant land attracts settlers and encourages the development of agriculture and ranching
  • Timber resources in East Texas support the growth of the lumber industry
  • Discovery of oil at Spindletop in 1901 sets the stage for Texas' future as a major oil producer
• Trade and commerce expand with the development of transportation networks
  • Ports (Galveston, Houston) facilitate international trade and immigration
  • Railroads connect Texas to national markets and stimulate economic growth
• Slavery plays a significant role in the Texas economy until the Civil War
  • Slave labor supports the growth of cotton agriculture and the plantation system
  • Annexation of Texas as a slave state becomes a contentious issue in national politics
• Economic boom and bust cycles shape the development of Texas
  • Panic of 1837 and other financial crises impact the Republic of Texas and early statehood
  • Cattle boom of the late 19th century brings prosperity and shapes Texas culture

Legacy and Impact on Modern Texas

• Texas Revolution and the Republic of Texas period shape the state's identity and sense of independence
  • "Remember the Alamo" becomes a cultural touchstone and symbol of Texan resilience
  • Frontier spirit and emphasis on personal liberty continue to influence Texas politics and culture
• Annexation of Texas as the 28th state in 1845 sets the stage for westward expansion and the Mexican-American War
• Slavery and segregation leave a lasting impact on race relations and social inequalities in Texas
• Economic foundations laid in the 19th century (agriculture, ranching, oil) continue to shape Texas' modern economy
• Demographic changes and immigration transform Texas into a diverse and rapidly growing state
  • Hispanic and Latino population becomes the largest ethnic group in Texas by the early 21st century
  • Increasing urbanization and the growth of major cities (Houston, Dallas, San Antonio) reshape the state's landscape
• Texas' political influence grows on the national stage, with many Texans serving in key leadership roles
  • Presidents Lyndon B. Johnson and George W. Bush, both from Texas, shape national policies
  • Texas' electoral votes and congressional representation make it a key player in national politics
• Cultural contributions (music, art, cuisine) from Texas gain international recognition and influence
  • Texas blues, country, and rock music shape the development of American popular culture
  • Tex-Mex cuisine and barbecue become iconic culinary traditions associated with the state