🤠Texas History Unit 7 – Late 20th Century and Contemporary Texas

Key Events and Timeline

• 1963: President John F. Kennedy assassinated in Dallas, Texas
• 1965: Houston Astrodome, the world's first domed sports stadium, opens
  • Nicknamed the "Eighth Wonder of the World"
  • Served as a model for future sports stadiums
• 1969: Apollo 11 mission, with NASA's Houston-based Mission Control Center, successfully lands the first humans on the moon
• 1971: Sharpstown scandal exposes corruption in Texas state government leading to reforms
• 1993: Branch Davidian standoff in Waco ends in tragedy with the deaths of 76 people
• 2003: Space Shuttle Columbia disaster occurs over Texas, killing all seven crew members
• 2005: Hurricane Katrina evacuees from Louisiana housed in Houston's Astrodome
• 2021: Winter storm Uri causes widespread power outages and over 200 deaths in Texas

Political Landscape

• Late 20th century sees a shift from Democratic to Republican dominance in Texas politics
  • 1978: William Clements becomes the first Republican governor of Texas since Reconstruction
  • 1994: George W. Bush elected governor, further solidifying Republican control
• Rise of conservative political figures such as Senator Phil Gramm and Congressman Tom DeLay
• Increasing influence of the Tea Party movement in Texas Republican politics during the early 21st century
• Gerrymandering and redistricting controversies shape electoral districts to favor the dominant party
• Voter ID laws and other measures implemented, which critics argue disproportionately affect minority voters
• Growing political divide between urban and rural areas of the state
• Emergence of significant Latino political power, with increased representation in local and state offices

Economic Developments

• Diversification of Texas economy beyond oil and gas industry
  • Growth in technology, healthcare, and service sectors
  • Development of Silicon Hills in Austin as a major tech hub
• 1970s oil boom brings prosperity but is followed by the 1980s oil glut and economic downturn
• 1994: Implementation of NAFTA (North American Free Trade Agreement) impacts Texas trade and economy
• Rise of Texas as a leader in renewable energy, particularly wind power
  • Texas becomes the largest wind energy producer in the United States
• Expansion of Texas ports and international trade, particularly with Mexico
• Continued importance of agriculture and ranching to the Texas economy
• Growth of tourism industry, with attractions such as the Alamo, Big Bend National Park, and South Padre Island

Social and Cultural Changes

• Increasing cultural diversity in Texas, with growing Hispanic, Asian, and African American populations
  • Influence of diverse cultures on food, music, art, and festivals
  • Growth of Spanish-language media and bilingual education programs
• Changing attitudes towards LGBTQ+ rights, with increasing support for same-sex marriage and anti-discrimination laws
• Ongoing debates over issues such as abortion, gun rights, and the death penalty
• Rise of megachurches and the influence of evangelical Christianity in Texas culture and politics
• Expansion of higher education, with the growth of the University of Texas and Texas A&M systems
• Increasing urbanization and suburbanization, changing the landscape of Texas cities and towns
• Preservation and celebration of Texas history and cultural heritage through museums, festivals, and events

Demographic Shifts

• Texas population grows from about 11 million in 1970 to over 29 million in 2020
  • Texas becomes the second most populous state in the United States
• Rapid growth of the Hispanic population, which becomes the largest ethnic group in Texas by 2020
  • Increasing political and economic influence of the Hispanic community
• Growth of Asian American population, particularly in major urban areas like Houston and Dallas-Fort Worth
• Aging of the Texas population, with an increasing number of residents over the age of 65
• Continued rural-to-urban migration, with population declines in many rural counties
• Influx of migrants from other states and countries, attracted by job opportunities and lower cost of living
• Increasing diversity in Texas schools, with students of color making up a majority of public school enrollment

Urban Growth and Rural Challenges

• Rapid expansion of major metropolitan areas like Houston, Dallas-Fort Worth, San Antonio, and Austin
  • Suburban sprawl and the development of master-planned communities
  • Challenges of traffic congestion, housing affordability, and infrastructure strain
• Revitalization of downtown areas in many Texas cities, with the development of new housing, businesses, and cultural attractions
• Ongoing challenges faced by rural communities, including population decline, job losses, and limited access to healthcare and education
  • Efforts to promote rural economic development and diversification
  • Expansion of broadband internet access to rural areas
• Increasing urbanization of formerly rural areas on the outskirts of major cities
• Concerns over gentrification and displacement in rapidly growing urban neighborhoods
• Efforts to promote sustainable urban development and address environmental concerns

Environmental Issues

• Ongoing challenges of water scarcity and drought in many parts of Texas
  • Development of water conservation strategies and infrastructure
  • Conflicts over water rights between urban and rural areas
• Air quality concerns in major urban areas, particularly Houston and Dallas-Fort Worth
  • Efforts to reduce emissions from transportation and industry
  • Expansion of public transit and alternative transportation options
• Impact of climate change on Texas, including increased frequency and severity of extreme weather events
  • 2017: Hurricane Harvey causes widespread flooding and damage in Houston and Southeast Texas
  • Efforts to improve coastal resilience and flood mitigation infrastructure
• Concerns over the environmental impact of oil and gas drilling, particularly hydraulic fracturing (fracking)
• Preservation of natural areas and wildlife habitats, including Big Bend National Park and the Gulf Coast
• Growth of renewable energy industry, particularly wind and solar power, as part of efforts to reduce carbon emissions

Texas on the National Stage

• Texas politicians gain national prominence, including Presidents George H.W. Bush and George W. Bush
  • Other notable figures include Senator Ted Cruz and Congressman Beto O'Rourke
• Texas as a key battleground state in national elections, with increasing political competitiveness
  • Shifting demographics and growing urban populations change the political landscape
• Influence of Texas on national policy issues, such as energy, immigration, and healthcare
• Texas as a leader in job creation and economic growth, attracting businesses and workers from other states
• Prominence of Texas culture and stereotypes in popular media, including music, film, and television
  • Iconic Texas symbols like the Alamo, cowboy culture, and the Texas flag
• Hosting of major national events, such as the 1990 Economic Summit of Industrialized Nations in Houston
• Contributions of Texas-based companies and institutions to fields like energy, technology, and space exploration
  • Notable examples include ExxonMobil, Dell, and NASA's Johnson Space Center