The class begins with an announcement regarding a participation quiz.
The instructor emphasizes that attendance is important for quiz participation.
The word for the day is "border," which the students are instructed to remember.
After class, a short fill-in-the-blank quiz will be available online. The question will be about the word that needed to be remembered.
The instructor mentions they are keeping attendance and discusses the importance of being present.
If a student misses the class without an approved absence, they will receive no credit for the quiz.
Academic integrity is stressed, particularly in relation to sharing the quiz answer with absent classmates.
The instructor reassures students that those with excused absences will still receive credit.
Class Schedule Updates
The next assignment is due on a Wednesday, which is a discussion prompt worth 25 points.
The upcoming second exam is scheduled for the following week, after which spring break will be observed.
Students are reminded that deadlines and assignments will coincide with the final weeks of the semester, thus emphasizing effective time management.
Any written assignments will be due shortly after spring break.
Historical Context of Texas
Transitioning into historical content, the instructor introduces Mayor Bill Lamar and the political actions related to Texas becoming a part of the United States.
General Rafael Vasquez captures San Antonio, leading to a series of military conflicts.
Sam Houston's presidency is discussed, noting that he will serve two non-consecutive terms and is a critical figure in Texas's early governance.
Sam Houston's diplomatic mission involves sending a group to the Rio Grande, emphasizing the territorial dispute between Texas and Mexico.
The purple territory story encapsulates the tension surrounding Texas's borders as both Texas and Mexico lay claim to this area.
Military Engagement and Captivity
Discussion of soldiers' actions during Christmas of 1842 highlights the crossing of the Rio Grande by 300 Texan soldiers, which was against direct orders.
The consequences of this action include the capture of 260 men by Mexican authorities, exemplifying military conflicts stemming from territorial disputes.
On February 11, 1843, these men managed to escape, but 176 were recaptured.
The fate of these soldiers was decided through a method of drawing beans, where white beans indicate survival and black beans indicate execution.
The ethical implications of survival in dire circumstances are brought to the fore, as well as the psychological strain on the captured men.
Economic State of Texas
As military tensions escalate, the financial situation of Texas is dire, with debt increasing from $2,000,000 to $10,000,000 by the time of statehood.
This financial instability leads Texans to consider annexation by the United States as a potential solution for military and fiscal security.
Discussion of early governance under the Articles of Confederation sets the stage for understanding Texas's unique position regarding land claims and governance at the national level.
The Path to Annexation
The process of negotiation for Texas joining the United States is initiated, with historical precedents established by the Northwest Ordinance.
The political climate indicates a desire from the U.S. to avoid British influence, as Great Britain holds adjacent territories.
The idea of manifest destiny aligns with the expansionism of the period, as the U.S. looks toward incorporating Texas for both strategic and economic advantages.
The topic of slavery arises, complicating the conversation as not all senators agree on admitting Texas due to its potential status as a slave state.
Congress shifts from pursuing a treaty to a simpler legislative process for accepting Texas as a state, igniting debates concerning state rights and the potential for retraction of statehood.
Unique Status of Texas
Texas's entry into the Union preserves its land rights, creating a unique governance structure where the U.S. does not automatically own Texas land.
Upon joining, the U.S. agrees to pay off Texas's debt, along with complexities that arise concerning territory, tax, and governance.
This unique relationship allows Texas far more autonomy compared to other states, raising questions about legislative power and local governance.
By the end of the class period, the instructor raises discussion topics on the implications of this unique status, including ongoing discussions about Texas's ability to succeed from the Union.
The U.S.-Mexican War and its Aftermath
The lead-up to the Mexican-American War involves military engagements initiated over territorial disputes, namely by President James K. Polk's administration.
The conflict escalates as American troops move into contested territories, eventually leading to declarations of war by President Polk.
General Zachary Taylor leads military actions that exemplify the aggressive U.S. stance towards Mexico, leading to various engagements throughout the war.
The final negotiation culminates in the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo, defining new borders and territorial ownership which were heavily influenced by the outcomes of the war.
Following the war, significant socio-economic changes occur in the U.S., driven by the gold rush in California, which turns the nation into an industrial powerhouse.
Capitalism and Its Implications
The growth of capitalism post-Civil War is emphasized, showing how the wealth accumulation system transformed the U.S. economy and society.
Through the lens of historical advancements, discussions on capitalism highlight its dual role as both an engine for prosperity and a source of inequality between socioeconomic classes.
Student discussion on whether capitalism is a beneficial or harmful system creates an ongoing dialogue about its implications on society.
Conclusion
The instructor closes with an open floor for questions, emphasizing the importance of historical context to current socio-political discussions.
Students are prompted to consider their role in these continuing discussions surrounding state rights, governance, and economic policies.