🤠Texas History Unit 5 – Early 20th Century Texas

Key Events and Timeline

• 1900-1901: Galveston Hurricane devastated the city, one of the deadliest natural disasters in U.S. history
• 1901: Spindletop oil gusher near Beaumont launched Texas oil boom, transforming the state's economy
  • Led to rapid industrialization and urbanization in Texas
  • Attracted oil companies and workers from around the country
• 1910s: Mexican Revolution led to an influx of Mexican immigrants into Texas, fleeing violence and instability
• 1914-1918: World War I increased demand for Texas agricultural and industrial products
  • Stimulated economic growth and modernization in the state
• 1920s: Prohibition era saw rise of bootlegging and organized crime in Texas cities (Galveston, Dallas)
• 1930s: Great Depression hit Texas hard, leading to widespread poverty and unemployment
  • New Deal programs provided relief and infrastructure projects in the state
• 1936: Texas Centennial Exposition in Dallas celebrated state's 100th anniversary of independence from Mexico

Political Landscape

• Early 1900s: Democratic Party dominated Texas politics, with a conservative, pro-business orientation
  • Party was divided between progressive and conservative factions
• 1920s-1930s: Rise of the Ku Klux Klan in Texas, targeting African Americans, Catholics, and immigrants
  • Klan infiltrated state and local politics, elected officials, and law enforcement
• 1924: Miriam "Ma" Ferguson became first female governor of Texas, serving two non-consecutive terms
  • Advocated for prohibition and prison reform
• 1930s: New Deal policies and programs were generally popular in Texas, despite some conservative opposition
  • President Franklin D. Roosevelt's visits to the state helped solidify Democratic support
• Establishment of the Texas Rangers as a state law enforcement agency, known for their toughness and effectiveness
  • Also involved in suppressing labor strikes and racial violence

Economic Developments

• Early 1900s: Agriculture (cotton, cattle) was the backbone of the Texas economy
  • Droughts and boll weevil infestations posed challenges to farmers
• 1901: Spindletop oil discovery transformed Texas into a major oil-producing state
  • Led to the growth of oil companies (Texas Company/Texaco, Gulf Oil) and related industries (pipelines, refineries)
• 1920s: Industrialization and urbanization accelerated, with growth of manufacturing, banking, and commerce
  • Rise of the "Big Four" cities: Houston, Dallas, San Antonio, and Fort Worth
• 1930s: Great Depression severely impacted Texas economy, with falling prices, unemployment, and poverty
  • New Deal programs (Civilian Conservation Corps, Works Progress Administration) provided jobs and relief
• Expansion of transportation infrastructure (roads, railroads, ports) facilitated economic growth and integration

Social and Cultural Changes

• Early 1900s: Segregation and racial discrimination were entrenched in Texas society
  • African Americans faced disenfranchisement, limited economic opportunities, and violence (lynchings)
• 1920s: Prohibition led to the rise of speakeasies, bootlegging, and organized crime in Texas cities
  • Also saw growth of religious fundamentalism and nativism in rural areas
• 1930s: Dust Bowl migration brought an influx of "Okies" and other farmers to Texas, seeking work and relief
  • Migrants faced discrimination and hardship, but also contributed to cultural diversity
• Growth of country and western music in Texas, with the rise of "singing cowboys" (Gene Autry, Tex Ritter)
  • Reflected the state's rural and frontier heritage
• Increased urbanization and consumerism, with the spread of radio, movies, and automobiles
  • Challenged traditional social norms and values

Demographic Shifts

• Early 1900s: Majority of Texans were rural and Anglo-American, with significant African American and Mexican American minorities
• 1910s-1920s: Great Migration of African Americans from the South to northern cities, including some in Texas (Houston, Dallas)
  • Seeking economic opportunities and escape from racial oppression
• 1910s: Mexican Revolution led to an influx of Mexican immigrants into Texas, especially along the border
  • Worked in agriculture, ranching, and industry, faced discrimination and segregation
• 1930s: Dust Bowl migration brought an influx of white farmers from Oklahoma, Arkansas, and other states
  • Competed with Texans for jobs and resources during the Depression
• Urbanization and industrialization attracted migrants from rural areas and other states to Texas cities
  • Led to growth of African American and immigrant neighborhoods and communities

Influential Figures

• Sam Rayburn: Powerful Texas congressman who served as Speaker of the House for 17 years
  • Played a key role in passing New Deal legislation and supporting the war effort in WWII
• Lyndon B. Johnson: Texas politician who served in the U.S. House and Senate before becoming Vice President and President
  • Championed civil rights, education, and social welfare programs
• William Sidney Porter (O. Henry): Short story writer from Austin who gained national fame for his witty and ironic tales
  • Helped establish Texas as a literary center
• Bessie Coleman: First African American woman to earn a pilot's license, born in Atlanta, Texas
  • Overcame racial and gender barriers to become a pioneering aviator
• Cleto Rodríguez: Mexican American civil rights activist and labor organizer in San Antonio
  • Fought against discrimination and segregation, advocated for workers' rights

Major Challenges

• Racial segregation and discrimination against African Americans and Mexican Americans
  • Manifested in education, housing, employment, and political representation
• Economic instability and inequality, especially during the Great Depression
  • Widespread poverty, unemployment, and displacement among farmers and workers
• Environmental challenges, such as droughts, floods, and dust storms
  • Impacted agriculture, public health, and quality of life
• Political corruption and machine politics in some cities and counties
  • Led to graft, favoritism, and suppression of reformers and activists
• Labor unrest and strikes in industries such as oil, lumber, and textiles
  • Met with resistance from employers and state authorities, sometimes leading to violence

Legacy and Impact

• Emergence of Texas as a major economic and political power in the United States
  • Fueled by oil wealth, industrialization, and population growth
• Development of a distinct Texas culture and identity, blending Southern, Western, and Mexican influences
  • Reflected in music, literature, cuisine, and folklore
• Contributions of Texas politicians and leaders to national politics and policy
  • Figures such as Sam Rayburn, Lyndon B. Johnson, and Barbara Jordan shaped American history
• Ongoing struggles for civil rights and social justice, building on the activism of early 20th century reformers
  • Movements for racial equality, labor rights, and women's rights continued in later decades
• Establishment of major educational and cultural institutions in Texas
  • Universities (UT Austin, Texas A&M), museums (Alamo, Menil Collection), and festivals (State Fair, SXSW) enriched the state's heritage