History Exam 2

Juneteenth

June 19th, 1865, when General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston to announce the emancipation of enslaved people in Texas. It symbolized the real start of freedom for African Americans in Texas—two years after the Emancipation Proclamation.

Andrew Jackson Hamilton

A Unionist Texan appointed provisional governor by President Andrew Johnson. He attempted to reintegrate Texas into the Union but faced opposition from Confederate sympathizers and “Redeemers”

Freedmen’s Bureau

A federal agency established to assist freed slaves and poor whites in the South. In Texas, it helped establish schools, negotiate labor contracts, and protect African Americans—but faced violent resistance from white Texans.

“Redeemers”

Conservative Democrats who “redeemed” Texas from Republican and Union control after Reconstruction. They rolled back African American rights, restored white supremacy, and cut taxes and public services.

Salt War

1877-1878
Conflict in El Paso over control of nearby salt deposits. It reflected tensions between Mexican Americans defending communal rights and Anglo newcomers asserting private ownership. Ended with federal troops intervening.

Satanta

A Kiowa war chief known for resistance against U.S. settlement. Captured and imprisoned after the Warren Wagontrain Raid; his story reflects broader Native resistance in the Plains Wars.

Battle of Adobe Walls

1874
Second major fight between buffalo hunters and Comanche/Kiowa warriors. Although the hunters won, it led to U.S. military retaliation and the Red River War.

Red River War

1874-1875
Campaign by the U.S. Army to remove remaining Native tribes from the Texas Plains and confine them to reservations in Indian Territory (Oklahoma).
Marked the end of the Plains Indians’ military resistance in Texas.

Greenback Party

Post—Civil War political movement that wanted paper money (“greenbacks”) to ease farmers’ debts. Set the stage for agrarian reform movements in Texas.

Populist Party (People’s Party)

Formed in the 1890s to represent struggling farmers. They wanted railroad regulation, the free coinage of silver, and cooperative ownership. Although it faded after 1900, it forced Democrats to address rural issues. 

Spindletop

1901
The oil gusher near Beaumont that launched the Texas oil industry and transformed the economy. Brought wealth, population growth, and new industries. 

Progressivism

Early 20th-century movement for social reform — in Texas, this meant better education, regulation of business, prohibition, and women’s suffrage.

Prohibition

Effort to ban alcohol. Strongly supported by rural Protestants and Progressives, opposed by many urban Texans. Texas went dry before national Prohibition (1918).

Ku Klux Klan

1920s
The Klan revived during this period, targeting not only African Americans but also Catholics, Jews, immigrants, and bootleggers. Gained major political influence in Texas before declining mid-decade.

Plan de San Diego

1915
A revolutionary plot by Mexican and Tejano rebels to spark an uprising in South Texas during the Mexican Revolution. Led to harsh Anglo reprisals and racial violence along the border. 

Mexican Revolution

1910-1920
Created instability on the Texas-Mexico border and brought thousands of Mexican refugees into Texas. U.S. troops under General Pershing pursued Pancho Villa after his raid into New Mexico.

Francisco “Pancho” Villa

Revolutionary leader who became both folk hero and enemy of the U.S. His actions intensified border militarization. 

Houston Riot

1917
An uprising of African American soldiers in Houston’s 24th Infantry after racial abuse from white police. The harsh response showed deep racial tensions even in military service.

Permian Basin

Region in West Texas that became a major oil-producing area during the 1920s and 1930s, transforming local economies.

“Ma” Ferguson (Miriam A. Ferguson)

First female governor of Texas (elected 1924). Her administration was marked by reform promises but tainted by corruption allegations. Symbolized changing gender roles in Texas politics.

Jeffersonian Democrats

Faction within Texas politics that championed limited government, states’ rights, and traditional Southern values — in contrast to emerging liberal Democrats.

“Pappy” O’Daniel (W. Lee O’Daniel)

Radio personality turned governor (1938–1941). His populist style and use of media reflected Texas’s shift toward modern mass politics.

Dust Bowl

1930s
Environmental disaster in the Texas Panhandle caused by drought and poor farming practices. Led to mass migration and federal conservation efforts.

Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC)

New Deal program that provided jobs in conservation and public works. Thousands of young Texans worked in state parks, helping modernize infrastructure.

Works Progress Administration (WPA)

Another New Deal agency, employing Texans to build roads, schools, and public buildings — left a lasting mark on Texas communities.

Audie Murphy

From a poor North Texas family, Murphy became the most decorated U.S. soldier of WWII. Postwar, he became a Hollywood actor — symbol of the “ordinary Texan hero.”

Crystal City (Family) Internment Camp

WWII internment site in South Texas for people of Japanese, German, and Italian ancestry — including U.S. citizens. Illustrates wartime fear and racial prejudice.

Bracero Program

1942-1964
U.S.-Mexico agreement allowing Mexican laborers (“braceros”) to work temporarily in agriculture. Provided essential wartime labor but also exploited Mexican workers.