Chapter 1: GOVT 2306

Fronteir Thesis

idea that the fronteir shaped nation's character, texas was major fronteir region so this idea shaped Texas culture.

Peninsulars

are Spaniards born in Spain with the highes political position in New Spain. They controlled early colonial Texas, shaped its government, class system, and culture.

Alcalde

local Spanish official who acted as both mayor and judge in settlements, early Texas towns used them as their main local leaders.

Progressive Era

reform period from late 1800s to early 1900s that focused on mixing social, political, and economic problems. It led to changes in texas elections, education, and worker protections.

Social Darwinism

The belief that “stronger" groups or businesses nauturally succeed while “weaker" ones fail. This influenced business growth, inequality, and justifications for expansion.

Imperial Colonization Law(1823)

mexican law that allowed Stephen F. Austin and other empressarios to bring settlers into Texas. Opened Texas to large scale Anglo American settlement, leading to culturla clashes and eventually a revolution.

Manifest Destiny

belief that U.S. was meant to expand across the continent, encouraged Americans to move into Texas and pushed the U.S. to annex Texas.

Cluster Migration

when families or gorups move together to the same area, many anglo setttlers came to Texas in clusters, strengthening their culture and influence.

Empressario System

land grant system where mexico hired agents (empressarios) to bring settlers to Texas, this brought thousands of americans to texas and changed region's culture and politics.

Hasinai Confederacies

group of Caddo tribes living in East Texas, it was the first native group the spanish met in Texas, their cooperation influenced early missions and settlements.

Corpus Christi de la Iseta

first permanent mission in texas, founde din 1682 ner el paso, marked the beginning of spain's long term presence in Texas.

Tidelands

coastal lands under water near the shoreline, texas fought ownership of tidelands rich in soil, shaping state revenue and politics.

Yanaguana

native word meaning “refreshing waters" referring to the San Antonio river area, shows the deep indigeneous roots in the San Antonio region

John Pershing

A U.S. Army general known for leading forces in WW1, comanded U.S. troops stationed along the Texas-Mexico border doring conflicts with Mexico, icreasing military presence in Texas.