1. Introduction: "Gone to Texas"

Study

Chapter Summary

For what accounts for at least five hundred years of history of what we now know as the state of Texas, the state has been inhabited by or under the legal authority of a quite unique and diversified cast of peoples and nations. Six separate flags have flown over the great state, a state that for almost a decade was its own independent, sovereign republic. Spanish explorers encountered a variety of both notorious and sophisticated native peoples in the sixteenth century. As the Spanish sought to expand their empire, they introduced Catholicism and the horse to the region. Spanish authorities encouraged settlement in what is now Texas from the United States, from Europe, and from south of the Rio Grande.

By the 1800s, the area of Texas, especially the central and southeast areas, was occupied by settlers from various areas of the United States, Europe, and what is now Mexico. Between 1820 and 1836 Texas went through great changes that would help shape its own evolving political culture and mystique. Mexico gained its independence from Spain. As more and more Anglo settlers made their homes in Texas, they began demanding more of a say in their own affairs, free from the whims of the Mexican government. With a desire for independence, Texans began to organize politically and by the fall of 1836 had gained independence and ratified a constitution for a new republic.

For the nine years preceding statehood, Texas was a sovereign republic. Sam Houston commanded the revolutionary army and had an illustrious career in Texas politics for many years.

Review questions

1. What role do legends play in the political culture of Texas?
   



2. How does Texas's size affect its political institutions?
   



3. To what extent do changing demographics and economic diversification shape the state of Texas?
   



4. Why is there a tension between the rapidly changing nature of Texas and Texas's legends?