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| During an Ice Age approximately 35,000 years ago, people began to cross a land bridge at the --------- from Siberia into the Americas. |
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| The nearby Gulf of Mexico provides this region with a mild climate. Winds blowing across the Gulf pick up moisture and drop it on the land to make it ideal for farming and ranching. |
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| This region is part of the Rocky Mountain system that begins in Canada and extends to Mexico. It is the highest and driest region of Texas |
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| Also called a “sea of grass,” this region was once home to immense herds of buffalo and nomadic Native Americans. Today much of the land is used to grow cotton and wheat. |
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| Spanish soldiers who sought riches and power for themselves and wealth and glory for Spain. |
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| The system used by the Spanish to convert Native Americans to Christianity and teach them the Spanish way of life. This system also used soldiers to protect the Indians from their enemies. |
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| french settlements in Texas |
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| Founded by LaSalle and others who scouted the area and searched for the main branch of the Mississippi |
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| Anglo American settlements |
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| Beginning in 1811, Americans formed small settlements near Pecan Point which were continually attacked by Native Americans. Most owned small farms and a few cattle. Living with other settlers helped support their culture and heritage. |
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| In 1803, the United States purchased the -------- Territory from France for about $15 million dollars. Adding the territory doubled the size of the United States. |
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| In March of 1836, General Santa Anna and his troops defeated the Texans at San Antonio de Valero. Almost all of the Texan defenders were killed. The loss in this battle made Texans even more determined to fight for independence |
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| General Sam Houston and his troops defeated General Santa Anna at -------, assuring Texas its independence. |
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| Fannin's Surrender at Goliad |
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| James Fannin was stationed in Goliad with 400 soldiers. Fannin and his men were captured by General Urrea and executed on the order of Santa Anna. “Remember Goliad,” became a Texas battle cry. |
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| Black Bean Lottery at Mier |
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| The Mexicans wanted to assure that many of the Texan officers would be executed at Mier, so they increased the likelihood of their drawing black beans from an earthen mug by putting the black beans on top and having the officers draw first. |
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| Texas ranching in the 1800's |
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| Texas ranchers had little control over land, natural disasters, supply or demand. Until the invention of barbed wire, cattle ate for free and grazed on public land. |
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| The belief that the United States would expand from coast to coast |
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| Texas was annexed to the United States in 1845. Some members of the U.S. Congress did not want the ------------ because they did not want another slave state |
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| Enslaved African Americans |
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| Before and during the Civil War, the government of Texas made no efforts to limit slavery. Farmers used -------------- to help on plantations. One in every four families had at least one slave. |
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| People who wanted to end slavery |
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| Oil was discovered in East Texas in 1901 and caused land prices to rise and the population to explode in Beaumont. This major strike changed the Texas economy and made petroleum refining the leading Texas industry. |
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| Texas was important in the Civil War because defending its trade routes and international ports was vital for the Confederacy. |
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| immigration and Migration to Texas |
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| Events in the United States and Europe such as war, debt and famine led people to leave. Land in Texas was plentiful and cheap and the prospect of statehood made Texas seem safer to immigrants. |
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| Laws limiting the rights of African Americans. |
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| Northerners who came to the south during Reconstruction for political and economic reasons. |
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| Conflicts between Soldiers and native Americans |
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| To prevent Native American raids on settlers, soldiers were stationed in the West after the Civil War. The Native Americans were no longer free to roam the prairies. Soldiers cut timber and killed their buffalo. |
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| President Roosevelt’s plan to heal the economy by creating jobs programs and federal agencies to help people affected by the Great Depression. |
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| Farmers on the Great Plains plowed grasses under and there was nothing left to hold the soil. A severe drought in the 1930’s added to the problem which literally blew the soil away. |
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| The writers of the Texas Constitution believed it was important for each branch of government to check the power of the other two branches. This enables each branch to block the actions of others, if necessary. |
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| The governor of Texas has the power to call special sessions of the legislature for emergency business. During a special session, the legislature may not consider any other topics unless the governor approves them. |
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| Having two rooms or chambers; the Senate and the House of Representatives compose a ---------- legislature. |
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| For the legislature, approving or rejecting the governor’s appointments and reviewing the actions of the other branches of government. |
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