A Comprehensive Overview for Educators
Era 1: The Native Americans (Prehistory-1685)
- Keywords: Native American tribes, Spanish exploration, arrival of European diseases
- Time period: 10000 BCE – 1685 CE
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Key events:
- Arrival of Paleo-Indians in Texas around 10000 BCE
- Establishment of American Indian tribes, including the Caddo, Comanche, and Apache
- First Spanish exploration of Texas in 1519
- Introduction of European diseases, leading to population decline among Native Americans
Era 2: The Spanish Colonial Era (1685-1821)
- Keywords: Spanish missions, Spanish settlements, Mexican independence
- Time period: 1685 – 1821 CE
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Key events:
- Establishment of Spanish missions in East Texas in the 1690s
- Founding of San Antonio in 1718
- Mexican independence movement led by Father Miguel Hidalgo in 1810
- Mexican independence from Spain in 1821
Era 3: The Mexican Era (1821-1836)
- Keywords: Mexican government, Anglo-American immigration, Texas Revolution
- Time period: 1821 – 1836 CE
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Key events:
- Texas becomes a Mexican state in 1824
- Increased Anglo-American immigration into Texas
- Growing tensions between Anglo settlers and the Mexican government
- Texas Revolution begins in 1835
- Texas declares independence from Mexico in 1836
Era 4: The Republic of Texas (1836-1845)
- Keywords: Sam Houston, Republic of Texas, annexation by the United States
- Time period: 1836 – 1845 CE
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Key events:
- Sam Houston becomes the first president of the Republic of Texas in 1836
- Texas remains an independent republic for 10 years
- Annexation of Texas by the United States in 1845
Era 5: The Texas Statehood Era (1845-Present)
- Keywords: Statehood, Civil War, Reconstruction, industrialization
- Time period: 1845 – Present
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Key events:
- Texas becomes the 28th state of the United States in 1845
- Texas secedes from the Union and joins the Confederate States of America in 1861
- Civil War ends in 1865 and Reconstruction begins
- Industrialization and growth of Texas in the late 19th and 20th centuries
Tables
Table 1: Timeline of Texas History Eras
| Era | Time Period | Key Events |
|---|---|---|
| Native Americans | Prehistory-1685 | Arrival of Native Americans, Spanish exploration, introduction of European diseases |
| Spanish Colonial Era | 1685-1821 | Spanish missions and settlements, Mexican independence |
| Mexican Era | 1821-1836 | Anglo-American immigration, Texas Revolution, Texas independence |
| Republic of Texas | 1836-1845 | Sam Houston’s presidency, annexation by the United States |
| Texas Statehood Era | 1845-Present | Statehood, Civil War, Reconstruction, industrialization |
Table 2: Native American Tribes of Texas
| Tribe | Location | Key Facts |
|---|---|---|
| Caddo | East Texas | Agricultural, lived in villages |
| Comanche | Central Texas | Nomadic, skilled warriors |
| Apache | West Texas | Nomadic, raided Spanish settlements |
Table 3: Significant Battles of the Texas Revolution
| Battle | Date | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Battle of Gonzales | October 2, 1835 | Texan victory |
| Battle of the Alamo | March 6, 1836 | Texan defeat |
| Battle of San Jacinto | April 21, 1836 | Texan victory, independence from Mexico |
Table 4: Texas Governors Since Statehood
| Governor | Term | Key Accomplishments |
|---|---|---|
| Francis Lubbock | 1861-1863 | Led Texas into the Civil War |
| Sam Houston | 1859-1861, 1861-1863 | Served as governor before and during the Civil War |
| Edmund J. Davis | 1868-1870 | Led Texas during Reconstruction |
| George W. Bush | 1995-2000 | Led Texas during the economic boom of the 1990s |
