Under the Rebel Flag

Before the War What was life like in Texas before the Civil War? The annexation of slave states vs. free states was a problem. Abolitionist movements were in the Northeast. Texans did not re-elect Sam Houston as their U.S. Senator because of his Unionist feelings.

1860: Big Trouble What were several events that caused the secession of Texas? Cotton industry and enslaved people needed for this industry.

Secession What events caused Sam Houston to struggle as a governor during this period? Houston refused to call the legislature and tried to block the Secession Convention. On Feb. 1, Texas seceded from the Union. Houston used the Texas Rangers to try to stop the messengers to the federal arsenal to state they have seceded. Texans approved secession. Houston refused the loyalty oath and was replaced.

1861: Opening Act How did the Civil War in 1861 affect Texas? Union soldiers began to block the Galveston port. Removal of soldiers that protected the western frontier. New governor

Dissent Who disagreed with the secession of Texas? 30% of the population German communities of the Texas Hill Country (Forty-Eighters-free thinkers who did not believe in slavery) Small farmers in northeast Texas who could not afford the plantation lifestyle Many stayed quiet about their opinions because of vigilante groups that attacked and sometimes killed dissenters.

1862: Fiery Trial How did the Conscription Act affect Texas? Texas opposed the Conscription Act because they believed it was against states’ rights. Fewer and fewer men left to fight in the war.

1862: Fiery Trial How did the fighting along the coast affect Texas? Texans moved inland and the economy became weaker. Cotton and supplies were moved through Mexico.

1862: Fiery Trial How did Texans react to the effects of the war? The governor and the legislature tried to buy guns and ammunition and requested help from President Jefferson Davis. They were not sucessful.

1863: The Tide Turns What was the impact of the second Battle of Galveston? The victory boosted the morale of the Confederacy, but Galveston citizens were treated as disloyal with the city occupied and in bad condition. Continued attacks by the Union forces on the Texas coast extending the war The Texas legislature decided to protect the frontier. Texans began not to support the war efforts. The lives of enslaved people became more controlled.

1864: No Way Out How did the war affect everyday Texans? Women took on more responsibilities because men were at war. Few battles took place in Texas. Shortages disrupted lives. More state taxes were imposed. School houses were closed. Speculators made fortunes.

End of the Ordeal How did the battles in Texas at the end of the Civil War affect the state? Confederate forces resisted Union incursions, but the end of the war was already happening in eastern states where most of the fighting and destruction occurred.