Chapter 14, Section 3 Immigrants Come to Texas

Chapter Overview (1 of 3) When Texas became a state in 1845, its first task was to write a new state constitution. The governor was elected for a two-year term, as were the members of the House of Representatives. Senators were elected for four-tear terms. The constitution also created a supreme court and district and county courts. In addition, it protected the system of slavery. Most of the leaders of early Texas joined the Democratic Party, which was very strong in the South. The other major political party—the Whigs—lacked support in Texas because many Whigs had opposed annexation and slavery.

Chapter Overview (2 of 3) War With Mexico – Mexico considered it an insult when the United States government annexed Texas. In addition, Mexico never accepted the Rio Grande as the boundary between Texas and Mexico. Tensions grew worse when President James K. Polk wanted to buy California from Mexico, and Mexico refused to negotiate. In March 1846, President Polk ordered General Zachary Taylor to move troops to the Rio Grande, where they clashed with Mexican solders. The U.S. Congress declared war. – More than 5,000 Texans quickly answered the call to arms. With better-equipped and better-led soldiers, the United States won the war. On February 2, 1848, a peace treaty at Guadalupe Hidalgo was signed. Mexico abandoned all claims to Texas and surrendered all territory between western Texas and the Pacific Ocean.

Chapter Overview (3 of 3) More Immigrants Come to Texas – Annexation, the lure of cheap land, and legalized slavery attracted thousands to Texas during the 1840s and 1850s. Most of the new arrivals came from the southern United States. Many Mexicans moved north into Texas. Some owned ranches, but most worked as cowhands, sheepherders, and ranch laborers. These Mexican Americans continued to face hostility and prejudice that had begun during Texas's battle for independence. – European immigrants represented almost every country of western Europe. The new arrivals brought their music, arts, languages, literature, and skills. Only a few Native American groups continued to live peaceably in Texas.

I. Texas Triples Population in Ten Years (p ) A.Between 1850 and 1860, Texas’s population almost tripled from 212,592 to 604,215. B.Annexation, the lure of cheap land, and legalized slavery attracted settlers. C.Abandoned cabins were marked with the initials “GTT” for Gone To Texas.

II. Mexican Texans (page 333) A.The U.S. Census of 1860 revealed that 12,443 Mexicans lived in Texas. B.Farming and ranching were the main occupations. C.Mexican Americans living in towns were business owners, teamsters, day laborers, craftworkers, and domestic servants.

III. Politics and Bias (pages ) A.Some Mexican Americans were active in political life and made worthwhile contributions to Texas history. B.Despite this, many Mexican Americans faced hostility and prejudice. C.Negative feelings against Mexican Americans resulted from battles at the Alamo and Goliad, as well as from their ownership of land that Anglos wanted. D.Despite the prejudice, Mexican Texans retained their cultural heritage, which blended over time with Anglo American culture and traditions.

IV. German Texans (page 335) A.Thousands of immigrants migrated to Texas from Europe. B.German communities in Central and South Texas expanded. C.By 1860 more than 20,000 Germans were living in Texas. D.Germans migrated to escape hardships, as well as political and economic difficulties. E.Germans contributed to the social and intellectual life, as well as medicine, publishing, and science.

German immigrants on the way to New Braunfels (1844)

V. Other European Arrivals (pages ) A.Immigrants from Ireland, England, France, Poland, Czechoslovakia, Norway, and other European nations settled in Texas cities. B.Several hundred Norwegians migrated, and they were impressed with the economic and social conditions in Texas. C.The new arrivals to Texas brought their music, arts, languages, literature, traditions, skills, and intellectual interests.

VI. The Alabama-Coushattas (page 337) A.The Alabama-Coushattas continued to live peaceable in East Texas. B.In 1854, the Texas legislature purchased 1,280 acres of land in Polk County for the Alabama tribe. C.The Coushattas came to live on the reservation through marriage or by special invitation by the Alabama people.

VII. The Tiguas and Kickapoos (page 337) A.Texas has recognized the Tiguas and Kickapoos as native to Texas. B.The Tiguas lived near the El Paso for 300 years and are believed to be the descendants of the Pueblos of New Mexico. C.In 1989, Texas recognized the Kickapoos as a sovereign nation, which is now known as the Kickapoo Traditional Tribe of Texas.