Texas History Final Exam Study Flashcards

These vocabulary flashcards cover the major eras, key dates, historical figures, and geographic regions of Texas history as outlined in the study notes.

Major Eras of Texas History

The chronological order of key eras: Age of Contact, Spanish Colonial, Mexican National, then Revolution and Republic.

1519

The year Spanish explorers mapped the Texas coast and began the Spanish presence in the region.

1718

The year of the founding of San Antonio as a mission and presidio.

1836

The year Texas declared and won its independence from Mexico.

1845

The year Texas was annexed to the United States.

1901

The year oil was discovered at Spindletop.

Puebloan group

A Native culture group that lived in permanent adobe homes in far West Texas and practiced dry farming.

Spanish missions

Establishments created to spread Christianity and Spanish culture to American Indians and to claim territory for Spain against French competition.

Presidios

Military forts established by the Spanish to claim and control territory.

Stephen F. Austin

Known as the "Father of Texas," he brought the first large group of Anglo settlers to Texas.

Fredonian Rebellion

An early event of tension that occurred before other major conflicts in the road to the Texas Revolution.

"Come and Take It"

The slogan linked to the Battle of Gonzales, the first battle of the Texas Revolution.

Battle of San Jacinto

A short, decisive battle that forced Mexico to recognize Texas independence.

Republic of Texas Presidents

The leaders of the independent Republic: Sam Houston, Mirabeau B. Lamar, and Anson Jones.

Buffalo soldiers

African American soldiers in the U.S. Army who helped protect the Texas frontier and fought in the Indian Wars after the Civil War.

Spindletop

The site of a 1901 oil discovery that caused a boom in the oil industry and rapid industrialization in Texas.

Boom-and-bust cycle

Economic periods characterized by rapid growth followed by significant downturns or collapse in an industry.

Women's suffrage movement

A movement that worked to win the right to vote for women.

Texas Civil Rights Leaders

Key individuals who contributed to equal rights, including James L. Farmer Jr., Hector P. Garcia, and Oveta Culp Hobby.

Popular sovereignty

The political principle that power comes from the people.

Civic responsibility

Basic duties in a democracy, such as voting in elections and staying informed.

Municipal government

The city level of government that runs services like police, fire, and water.

Agrarian

A society based mainly on farming and rural living.

Urban

A society based on cities and industry; Texas shifted to this due to growth in oil, transportation, and manufacturing.

Coastal Plains

The flattest region of Texas, located along the Gulf of Mexico, containing most large cities and rivers.

Mountains and Basins

The westernmost and driest region of Texas, characterized by desert mountains.

North Central Plains

A region of rolling grasslands suitable for ranching and smaller towns.

Great Plains

A region of elevated plains with canyons, used for some ranching and farming.

High Plains

An area within the Great Plains (the Panhandle) with high, flat grasslands, strong winds, and frequent droughts.

Galveston Hurricane of 1900

A natural disaster that led to changes in settlement patterns and the construction of seawalls and raised city elevations.