2.1 Origins and evolution

Texas's rich history is a tapestry of diverse cultures and pivotal events. From Native American tribes to European colonization, the state's origins shaped its unique identity. The struggle for independence and subsequent annexation by the U.S. set the stage for Texas's role in national affairs.

The Civil War and Reconstruction era brought significant changes to Texas society. In the 20th century, economic booms, demographic shifts, and social movements transformed the state. Today, Texas continues to evolve, facing modern challenges while building on its complex heritage.

Historical context of Texas

• Texas has a rich and complex history shaped by various indigenous tribes, European exploration, and shifting political control
• Understanding the historical context provides a foundation for appreciating the unique cultural, social, and political aspects of Texas today

Native American tribes in Texas

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• Prior to European arrival, Texas was inhabited by diverse Native American tribes (Caddo, Karankawa, Coahuiltecan, Jumano, Tonkawa)
• These tribes had distinct languages, customs, and ways of life adapted to the varied geography of Texas
• Native Americans in Texas engaged in hunting, gathering, agriculture, and trade with neighboring tribes
• The arrival of European explorers and colonizers significantly impacted the lives and cultures of these indigenous communities

European exploration and colonization

• Spanish explorers, including Alvar Núñez Cabeza de Vaca and Francisco Vázquez de Coronado, were among the first Europeans to visit Texas in the 16th century
• French exploration of Texas began in the late 17th century, with René-Robert Cavelier, Sieur de La Salle establishing a short-lived colony (Fort Saint Louis)
• European powers sought to establish control over Texas for its strategic location, natural resources, and potential for trade and settlement
• Colonization efforts led to the establishment of missions and presidios, which aimed to convert Native Americans to Christianity and secure Spanish territorial claims

Spanish and Mexican rule

• Texas was part of the Spanish Empire from the 16th century until Mexican independence in 1821
• Under Spanish rule, the mission system was expanded, and ranching became an important economic activity in Texas
• After gaining independence from Spain, Mexico controlled Texas as part of the state of Coahuila y Tejas
• Mexican government encouraged American immigration to Texas, leading to an influx of settlers and growing tensions between them and the Mexican authorities

Texas independence movement

• The Texas independence movement emerged in the 1830s as a result of political, cultural, and economic differences between American settlers and the Mexican government
• Settlers sought greater autonomy and representation within the Mexican political system

Causes of the Texas Revolution

• Centralization of power under Mexican President Antonio López de Santa Anna and the revocation of the 1824 Constitution
• Cultural differences between American settlers and Mexican authorities, including language and religion
• Disagreements over slavery, which was abolished in Mexico but desired by some American settlers
• Tensions over land rights and taxation

Key events and battles

• The Battle of Gonzales (October 2, 1835) marked the beginning of the Texas Revolution
• The Siege of the Alamo (February 23 – March 6, 1836) resulted in the deaths of all Texian defenders, including James Bowie and Davy Crockett
• The Battle of San Jacinto (April 21, 1836) was a decisive victory for the Texian Army, leading to the capture of Santa Anna and securing Texas independence

Declaration of Independence

• The Texas Declaration of Independence was signed on March 2, 1836, at Washington-on-the-Brazos
• The declaration formally proclaimed Texas' independence from Mexico and outlined grievances against the Mexican government
• It was modeled after the United States Declaration of Independence

Establishment of the Republic of Texas

• Following the success of the Texas Revolution, the Republic of Texas was established as an independent nation on March 2, 1836
• Sam Houston was elected as the first President of the Republic of Texas
• The Republic faced challenges such as border disputes, financial difficulties, and ongoing tensions with Mexico
• The Republic of Texas sought recognition and annexation by the United States

Annexation and statehood

• The United States' annexation of Texas was a complex process involving political debates and international diplomacy
• Texas' admission as the 28th state had significant implications for the balance of power between free and slave states

U.S. annexation of Texas

• President John Tyler initiated the annexation process in 1844, negotiating a treaty with the Republic of Texas
• The annexation treaty faced opposition in the U.S. Senate due to concerns over the expansion of slavery and potential war with Mexico
• In 1845, Congress approved the annexation of Texas through a joint resolution, bypassing the treaty process

Admission as the 28th state

• Texas was formally admitted to the Union as the 28th state on December 29, 1845
• As a condition of annexation, Texas retained control over its public lands and the right to divide into up to five states
• The admission of Texas as a slave state heightened tensions between the North and South, contributing to the growing sectional divide

Compromise of 1850

• The Compromise of 1850 was a series of legislative measures designed to address the issue of slavery in the territories acquired from Mexico, including Texas' western boundary
• The compromise established Texas' current boundaries, with the state relinquishing claims to lands in present-day New Mexico, Colorado, Wyoming, and Oklahoma in exchange for $10 million in federal debt relief
• The Compromise of 1850 temporarily eased tensions between the North and South but did not resolve the underlying issues surrounding slavery

Secession and Civil War

• Texas played a significant role in the American Civil War, joining the Confederacy and contributing troops and resources to the Southern cause
• The Civil War had profound impacts on Texas society, economy, and politics

Texas in the Confederacy

• In February 1861, Texas seceded from the United States and joined the Confederate States of America
• Sam Houston, the governor of Texas, opposed secession but was removed from office when he refused to take an oath of allegiance to the Confederacy
• Texas provided soldiers, supplies, and financial support to the Confederate war effort
• The state's economy, based largely on cotton and slavery, was disrupted by the Union blockade and the loss of slave labor

Key Civil War battles in Texas

• The Battle of Galveston (January 1, 1863) was a Confederate victory that temporarily secured the city and its vital port for the South
• The Battle of Sabine Pass (September 8, 1863) saw a small Confederate force repel a larger Union invasion, preventing the capture of Houston and Beaumont
• The Battle of Palmito Ranch (May 12-13, 1865) was the last land battle of the Civil War, occurring after Robert E. Lee's surrender at Appomattox

Emancipation and Reconstruction

• On June 19, 1865, Union General Gordon Granger announced the Emancipation Proclamation in Galveston, Texas, officially ending slavery in the state (Juneteenth)
• During Reconstruction, Texas was part of the Fifth Military District under Union occupation
• The state adopted a new constitution in 1866 that granted limited civil rights to freed slaves but maintained white supremacy
• Texas was readmitted to the United States in 1870 after ratifying the 14th and 15th Amendments to the U.S. Constitution

Post-Civil War development

• In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Texas experienced significant economic growth, population increases, and urban development
• The state's economy diversified, and new industries emerged, transforming Texas society

Economic growth and industrialization

• The expansion of railroads facilitated the growth of agriculture, ranching, and mining industries in Texas
• Cotton production remained a major economic driver, with Texas becoming the leading cotton-producing state by the early 20th century
• The discovery of oil at Spindletop in 1901 marked the beginning of the Texas oil boom, attracting investments and fueling industrialization

Population growth and immigration

• Texas experienced rapid population growth in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, driven by natural increase and immigration
• Immigrants from Europe (Germany, Czech Republic, Poland) and Mexico contributed to the state's cultural diversity and workforce
• African Americans from the South migrated to Texas as part of the Great Migration, seeking better economic opportunities and fleeing racial oppression

Establishment of major cities

• The growth of commerce, industry, and transportation led to the development of major urban centers in Texas
• Houston emerged as a significant port city and industrial hub, benefiting from the oil boom and the Houston Ship Channel
• Dallas and Fort Worth grew as centers for banking, trade, and manufacturing
• San Antonio expanded as a military and commercial center, with a strong Hispanic cultural influence

20th century milestones

• Texas experienced significant economic, social, and political changes throughout the 20th century
• The state played a crucial role in major national and global events, while also grappling with internal challenges and transformations

Oil boom and economic impact

• The discovery of major oil fields (East Texas, Permian Basin) in the early 20th century transformed Texas into a leading oil-producing state
• The oil industry attracted investments, created jobs, and generated wealth for the state, contributing to economic growth and modernization
• The state government's reliance on oil revenues for funding led to a boom-and-bust cycle tied to fluctuations in oil prices

Great Depression and New Deal

• Texas was hit hard by the Great Depression, with falling crop prices, unemployment, and poverty affecting both rural and urban areas
• The New Deal programs implemented by President Franklin D. Roosevelt provided relief, recovery, and reform measures in Texas
• Projects such as the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) and the Works Progress Administration (WPA) created jobs and improved infrastructure in the state

World War II contributions

• During World War II, Texas played a significant role in the war effort through military installations, defense manufacturing, and agricultural production
• Major military bases (Fort Hood, Fort Bliss) and training facilities were established or expanded in Texas
• Texas oil refineries and shipyards contributed to the Allied war effort, supplying fuel and ships for the military
• Over 750,000 Texans served in the armed forces during the war

Civil Rights Movement in Texas

• The Civil Rights Movement in Texas sought to end racial segregation, discrimination, and disenfranchisement of African Americans
• Key events included the integration of the University of Texas at Austin in 1956 and the Houston sit-ins in 1960
• Civil rights leaders such as Barbara Jordan and Henry B. González worked to advance racial equality and representation in Texas politics
• The Voting Rights Act of 1965 and the Civil Rights Act of 1968 helped dismantle discriminatory practices and protect the rights of African Americans in Texas

Modern era challenges and progress

• In the late 20th and early 21st centuries, Texas has faced new challenges while also making significant strides in various areas
• The state's economy, demographics, and political landscape have undergone notable changes

Economic diversification efforts

• Texas has sought to diversify its economy beyond oil and gas, promoting growth in sectors such as technology, healthcare, and renewable energy
• The state has attracted major corporations and startups, particularly in the Austin and Dallas-Fort Worth areas (Silicon Hills, Texas Triangle)
• Economic diversification has helped Texas weather economic downturns and maintain a strong business climate

Demographic shifts and urbanization

• Texas has experienced significant population growth and increasing diversity in recent decades
• The state's population has become more urban, with major metropolitan areas (Houston, Dallas-Fort Worth, San Antonio, Austin) accounting for a larger share of the population
• The growing Hispanic population has reshaped the state's cultural, social, and political landscape

Political landscape changes

• Texas has historically been a conservative state, with the Republican Party dominating state politics since the late 20th century
• However, changing demographics and urbanization have led to increasing political competition, particularly in major cities and suburban areas
• Issues such as immigration, healthcare, and gun rights have been at the forefront of Texas political debates

Education and healthcare advancements

• Texas has made efforts to improve its education system, with reforms aimed at increasing accountability, standards, and funding
• The state is home to several top-tier universities (University of Texas at Austin, Texas A&M University) and a growing number of community colleges
• In healthcare, Texas has faced challenges such as high uninsured rates and limited access to care in rural areas
• Efforts to expand Medicaid, invest in medical research, and address health disparities have been ongoing issues in Texas politics