FINAL EXAM KEY TERMS

Presentism

Looking at history through a ‘present’ lense

Historical Mindedness

Looking at history with an ‘open mind’ to understand the past and how it connects to the present.

The Law of Unintended Consequences

The idea that any action, especially those taken by governments or individuals, can have outcomes that are not initially intended or foreseen

Exceptionalism

The idea that one’s country is exceptional and lacks reasonable flaws. Often conflated with patriotism.

Identity

Who you are, who I am, what everyone is. The idea that everyone is an individual.

Great Depression

Devastation financially across all of the country. Black Thursday when the stock market crash. Herbert Hoover was president. Many Texans were insulated from the failing market, though farmers struggled.

Depression Deepening

Cotton prices fell and unemployment soared. Repartition occurred sending people away. Racial tensions were heightened.

Repatriation

Sending Mexican Americans back to Mexico regardless of citizenship.

John Nance Garner

Political representative of Texas in the House from 1899 to 1903. He also represented Texas’s 15th congressional district. Considered one of the most powerful vice presidents.

Col. Edward House

Wealthy cotton plant ion owner that transitioned to politics. On his return to Texas, House ran his family's business. He eventually sold the cotton plantations, and invested in banking. He was a founder of the Trinity and Brazos Valley Railway. House helped to make four men governor of Texas.

“Tough Ombres”/Alamo Divison

The 90th Infantry division. Unit of the Army of WW1 and WW2 that was made up of Texans (and Oklahoman) draftees.

Chester Nimitz

A fleet admiral in the United States Navy. He played a major role in the naval history of World War II as Commander in Chief, US Pacific Fleet, and Commander in Chief, Pacific Ocean Areas, commanding Allied air, land, and sea forces during World War II.

Oveta Culp Hobby

American government official and businesswoman who served as the first United States Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare from 1953 to 1955. A member of the Republican Party, Hobby was the second woman ever to serve in a presidential cabinet. Directory of woman Army Corp.

Doris Dorie Miller

U.S. Navy sailor who was the first black recipient of the Navy Cross and a nominee for the Medal of Honor. He was a major help during Pearl Harbor.

Audie Murphy

American soldier, actor, and songwriter who is considered one of the most decorated soldiers in U.S. history During World War II.

Lyndon Johnson

Texan president after JFK’s assassination. He was a heavy advocate for civil rights and helped get a proper burial for a Texan soldier.

Longoria Affair

An affair in Longoria where Mexican population was segregated and racially rejected by Anglos. The denial of a Mexican Soldiers burial resulted in advocacy groups to call for reform resulting in Nixons rise to power. Lyndon Johnson played a big but quiet role in the affair.

Herman M. Sweatt

African American civil rights advocate that helped in the dismantling of Jim Crow laws as well as “separate but equal” segregation in American education.

Crystal City Camp

Internment location inside of Texas during WW2 that housed Japanese, German, and Italians. Civil right attorney Collin’s helped close it down.

The Bracero program

An agreement between the U.S. and Mexican governments that permitted Mexican citizens to take temporary agricultural work in the United States. Controversial for outsourcing and taking away domestic labor.

Unemployment during Depression?

One in 4 people were unemployed during the Great Depression, numbers slightly better in Texas.

Texan relief during Depression?

7% of families were on relief.

What industry was very popular in San Antonio during the 1900s?

Agricultural economy along with a growing oil industry.

Why was Texas an ideal place to train soldiers for WWI and WWII?

Large land area and moderate climate.

Which Presidents came from Texas?

Dwight D. Eisenhower and Lyndon B. Johnson

Gilmer-Aikin Proposals

Lawmakers overseeing the special committee to recommend reform’s ideas, established minimum pay for teachers, established minimum teaching days. (Education reform).

Texas Population:

Exploded massively in residents and grew three prominent city hubs deemed the Texas Triangle.

Mexican Rights?

American G.I. Forum, secured veteran benefits for all. Was involved in Longoria affair.

Delgado v Bastrop ISD. Ceased de facto segregation on campuses.

Dwight D Eisenhower

Texan President. ‘Champion of Peace.’ Helped with creation of welfare.

Dust Bowl

Killed the agricultural industry in the Midwest and Texas (financially). Harsh on farmers that were already hit with the market issues caused by Great Depression. Added to unemployment crisis.

Was Texas United?

Liberal Conservative rift was higher than ever with civil rights in the rise. This opposition within communities can be seen in Longoria Affair as well as the Sourthern Manifesto.