Stephen
F. Austin (empresario) brought Anglo settlers to Texas in 1820s in search of
land.
Texas
transfers to Mexican control from Spain in 1821.
Mexican government authorized immigration
as means of populating frontier province and making it economically
productive.
Hoped Anglos would become buffer
between Mexicans and Plains Indians
Anglos agreed to accept Mexican
law and convert to Roman Catholicism—Mexican govt. generally kept hands-off
position due to distance from frontier, but disputes arose over land titles,
customs duties, military authority over civilians, and relationships between
state and national authority.
Disputes over land titles =>
Freedom Rebellion (Haden Edwards) in 1826; SFA and Mexican govt. oppose
rebellion; quickly quashed.
Mexican concern over rebellion
and interests of two US presidents in purchasing Texas, as well as increasing
#s of Anglos => Law of 1830 prohibiting further US immigration. Anglos already outnumbered Tejanos 4 to
1. Illegal
immigration continued. Law was relaxed in 1834.
Battle of Velasco 1832 (10
Texans and 5 Mexicans killed).
Military overthrow of Mexican
President Bustamante by Antonio Lopez de Santa Ana relieved tensions between
Anglos and Mexican govt. (Santa Ana
supported federal constitution of 1824).
Santa Ana reversed his position,
making himself dictator of Mexico and => increasing fears again among Anglo
Texans (especially that SA may enforce decree of 1829 banning slavery). Anglo
settlers mostly Southern Americans, believed slavery was a right/essential to
way of life. Slavery was not the primary cause of the Texas Revolution, though
undercurrents of racial and cultural differences fueled unrest among the Anglo population.
Earliest Anglo settlers had
acculturated to Mexican ways and assimilated to the society, but new settlers
lived almost entirely within Anglo communities, made few adjustments to Mexican
culture and traditions.
Skirmishes and bloodless protests
at Anahuac due to Mexican efforts to collect customs duties, etc. 1835—William
Travis (attorney from Alabama) and 20-30 Texans forced Mexican garrison to
surrender. Great majority of Anglos
disapproved of Travis’ actions.
SFA returned to Texas from Mexico
after 1 ½ years in prison/house detention for creating separate state of Texas
without Mexican government approval.
Mexican authorities order arrest of Anglo critics of Mexican government
to face military trials. (Note the
violation of free speech, democratic rights)
1835, Col. Domingo Ugartechea
sent 6 men to Gonzales to reclaim a 6 lb. cannon given to colonists in 1831 to
defend against Indian. Texans convinced
that resistance to Santa Ana would be more difficult without the cannon and
refused to give it up. => Lt.
Francisco Castaneda and 100 soldiers to march to Gonzales to reclaim
cannon. Demanded the ferry the Texans
had hidden be restored and that the cannon be surrendered. (Just 18 Texans opposed Castaneda—“the
immortal 18”).
By October 1835, # of Texans in
opposition to Castaneda increased to approx. 160, cannon unearthed from where
Texans buried it in a peach orchard, mounted, and ammunition was gathered. Old
wedding dress was converted to battle flag with “Come and Take It” emblazoned
upon it. 2 October, Mexicans and Texans
faced each other. Cannon was fired, brief skirmish ensued, and 1 Mex. Killed,
rest retreated to San Antonio.
13 October 1835, army of 300
Texans in Gonzales commanded by SFA began to march to San Antonio where Mexican
army led by Gen. Martin Perfecto de Cos was stationed. “Come and Take It” cannon accompanied the
army but was abandoned and buried in Sandy Creek. Cos had left 30 soldiers at Goliad to protect supply line to
Copana Bay. Texans wanted Mexican troops
removed from Goliad. Gen. George M.
Collingsworth organized group of 39 men to march to Goliad, arrived 9 Oct.,
same day Cos arrived in San Antonio. Texans take Goliad by storm, capture the
Mexican garrison and supplies, which were sent to aid Austin’s army.
Victory at Gonzales =>
increased Texas confidence. Permanent
Council assembled in Oct. 1835 at San Felipe to decide what could be done in
interim before Consultation scheduled for November. Members were to supply the Texas army and organize ranger groups
to protect from Indians.
Delegates from 14 Texas cities
assembled 3 Nov. at San Felipe for Consultation – Should Texas declare
independence from Mexico or should it seek separate statehood under Mexican
government? 33-15, delegates voted not
to declare independence at that time, but pledged allegiance to Constitution of
1824, Sam Houston among them. (Believed
it was wiser to say they were loyal Mexican citizens, opposed to military
despotism). Resolution adopted
unanimously to such extent, with Texans hoping other Mexican citizens would
follow suit.
Independence fully declared 2 March 1836; Revolution
ended 21 April 1836 at Battle of San Jacinto with capture of Santa Ana by Sam
Houston’s army. Texas voters in 1836
approve annexation to the United States, but due to slavery issue in America,
annexation was delayed to 1845.
Achieved formal statehood under James K. Polk, 29 December 1845, after
over 9 years of independence. (Missouri Compromise of 1820—slavery banned north
of 36’30”; Compromise of 1850—admission of slave state and admission of free
state simultaneously).
State ownership of public land retained. (US Govt. would not accept lands in exchange for payment of $10 min. public debt). State public lands still generate revenue from oil and gas, other natural resources. $ used mostly for education (Permanent University Fund and Permanent School Fund).
Texas
may be divided into 5 separate states. (Part of Congress’ compromise to deal
with the slavery question)
1846-64
Slavery colours state politics from the beginning. Pro-Union and Pro-Slavery factions. Democratic party in early statehood controlled by secessionists.
Sam
Houston opposed secession, ran for governor. Lost first time around (1856), won
second campaign (1858). Texas
secessionist convention in 1861, after election of Lincoln. Votes to secede
from Union, upheld by Texas Legislature, though Houston deemed it illegal. Houston refuses Lincoln’s offer of federal
troops, reluctantly secedes and joins the Confederate States of America. Texas troops to defend the frontier and the
Mexican border of the CSA. No centralized military regime existed during this
time.
Texas
legislature (and many Southern states) pass Black Codes to restrict rights of
freed slaves; elect former Confederate officials to office. Radical Republicans
in US Congress respond with restrictive legislation to prevent voter
eligibility and public office eligibility for former Confederate troops and
officials at all levels.
Federal occupation began June 19, 1865 (Juneteenth), 2 months after end of the war. Martial law from ’65-’69.
Martial Law ends in 1869 with adoption of constitution of 1869 and election of Radical Republican E. J. Davis
*Power centralized in governor’s office, including militia and state police forces
*Corruption plagued Davis administration.
*Texans perceived Davis government as one imposed upon a defeated people => resentment
*Democratic Party experiences resurgence after Confederates given franchise again.
*Constitution rewritten in 1875, adopted 1876; decentralized state government and drastically limited elected officials’ powers.
Progress and Reform (1886-1913)
Gov. James Hogg (elected 1890)
Progressive-Era style regulation
State Railroad Commission created to regulate the state railroad industries
Pioneering of other forms of regulation, including trusts, child labor, employer abuses; reform of prisons, taxes, and insurance companies.
State party nominating conventions replaced with direct primary nominating system in 1905.
1914-18-“Pa” Ferguson
More Progressive Era reform—using government for economic and social change
Support for a “wet” Texas (during Prohibition Era)
Emphasis of rural background and commitment to small farmers—reforms of tenant farm problems, rural schools and state court system; state highway commission created to foster regularity of road construction and maintenance.
Jim Ferguson ends up being impeached due to corruption in his administration
1919-1928
Economic Boom during World War I
Growth of military presence in Texas (due to climate, threat of Zimmerman Telegram urging Mexico to invade Texas in return for German support) first as training facilities, then as permanent bases.
Decline of Progressive-Era reforms during the Hobby administration, largely due to WW I.
Failure of efforts to revamp government and rewrite the state constitution.
With Gov. Pat Neff, 1921, Progressive Era reforms begin passing again—still fails to reorganize executive branch of state government.
Prohibition, woman suffrage, crime, education, and KKK become major issues—Neff was a “dry”, woman suffrage became reality as Texas was among the first to ratify the 19th amendment, free textbooks for public schools became the norm, several state colleges were established, and state park system was created.
Rise of the KKK in 1921-25; Christian Protestant fundamentalist and patriotic
“Ma” Ferguson elected in 1924 on anti-Klan platform and “Two Governors for the Price of One” slogan.
Made it illegal to wear a mask in public, thereby effectively ending the KKK’s dominance of Texas politics
Lenient pardoning policy and highway scandal => Dan Moody’s election in 1926
Herbert Hoover becomes the first Republican to win Texas’ electoral votes, due to Democrat Al Smith’s Catholicism, “wet” politics, and “big city” background.
The Depression 1929-39
Crash of business and banking
Oil discovered in East Texas near Kilgore—developed by “independents” rather that major oil companies. => sharp drop in oil prices. Major oil companies controlled refineries, refused to buy independent oil. Gov. Ross Sterling closed down East Texas oil field => Railroad Commission being given authority over Texas Oil industry. Independents flaunt the law, build their own refineries. Legislation eventually requiring oil refineries to divulge sources of crude oil => end of the independents’ expansion. Major companies controlled approx. 80% of oil production in East Texas by 1938.
Ma Ferguson wins reelection in 1932 on platform of streamlining government. None of her administration’s proposed reforms were put into place. No government reorganization took place.
End of Prohibition in 1935, local option given to counties and cities. Board established to tax and license liquor dealers.
“Pappy” O’
Daniel: 1938-45
Flour salesman and hillbilly radio show host defeats 13 other candidates in Democratic Primary to become governor on platform of “10 Commandments, the Golden Rule, and old age pensions”.
Was unsuccessful legislative leader as both Governor and later as US Senator. Reelected governor in 1940 over strong opposition. Won special election to a Senate seat over 29 other candidates. Won full 6-yr term in ‘42
Post World War II: 1946-49
Gov. Beauford Jester (1947-49)—won over Homer Rainey in campaign colored by disputes over university autonomy and academic freedom
LBJ wins US Senate seat in 1948 by 87 votes in sharply contested election over former governor Coke R. Stevenson
1950s
Conservative Texas Democrats begin to show cracks in their ranks and party loylty
Texas Democratic candidates criticize national party, Adlai Stevenson, and the national party’s stance on the tidelands question (jurisdictional conflict between US and gulf states over discovery of oil in Gulf of Mexico—how far out do rights of states and the rights of the nation extend—at stake was oil revenue) => split in Texas Democratic Party.
Conservative “Texas Democrats” advocated split ticket voting in ’52, in favor of Eisenhower nationally and local Texas Democrats.
“Loyalist Democrats of Texas” led by Ralph Yarborough advocated for straight ticket vote. Eisenhower elected, and tidelands dispute settled in Texas’s favor
After scandal marred Shivers’ 3rd term and Price Daniel’s terms, lobbying regulation put in place in 1959 to curtail use of gifts, money, fees and the 3 Bs (booze, beefsteak and broads) to win legislative favors.
1959, state general sales tax also created
1960s
John Tower elected to US Senate—first Republican since Reconstruction
John Connally elected governor in 1962, ’64, and ’68—had been secretary of Navy in Kennedy Administration
1970s
Gov. Preston Smith’s career tarnished by Sharpstown banking and insurance scandal
Dolph Briscoe elected in 1972 with only a plurality of the vote over the Republican and Raza Unida candidates
First Democrat, since the primary system was created, to fail to win a majority of the vote. Won reelection in 1974 and ’76.
1974, state legislature convened as a constitutional convention but did not produce a new constitution, due largely to controversy over a right-to-work provision. 1975, legislature proposed numerous amendments, all rejected by voters by nearly 3 to 1.
1978, William P. Clements elected, first Republican governor since Reconstruction; maintains bipartisanship, wins favor from conservative Texas Democrats
1980s
Mark White wins governorship in 1982 with support from teachers on a platform of salary increases
1984, HB 72 institutes “no pass, no play”; increases teacher pay, equalizes school district income, institutes TEAMS test, and requires teachers to pass competency exam in their own field in order to retain their certification
Bill Clements reelected in 1986 as voters were unhappy with White’s education reform, economy, and loss of state revenue. – Other Republicans win statewide office for the first time since Reconstruction
Edgewood v. Kirby (in Texas Supreme Court) declares in 1989 that state’s education funding system is unconstitutional according to state constitution. => passage of “Robin Hood” law in 1993
1990s
1990—First Republicans elected to statewide administrative offices (Kay Bailey Hutchison, Rick Perry), first Hispanics to statewide office (Dan Morales)
Gov. Ann Richards
Kay Bailey Hutchison elected to Senate in 1992, first woman from Texas elected to US Senate; first time since Reconstruction that the entire Texas US Senate delegation was Republican (Hutchison and Gramm)
Gov. George W. Bush, 1994—Texas fully a two-party state by this point in its history
Increase in prison units
Texas Senate becomes majority Republican for the first time since Reconstruction in ’96
Republicans win ALL statewide offices in 1998
2000s
2002, Texas House of Representatives comes under Republican control
2003, Redistricting battle
78th Legislature ends “Robin Hood” policy
School finance reform fails, even after multiple special sessions.
Texas Cultural Regions
East Texas—Extension of Old South, rural, small town, segregated and conservative Protestant
Gulf Coast—Economic growth since 1901 oil discovery at Spindletop near Beaumont, oil and natural gas economy, more corporations moving into Houston, more cultural diversity
South Texas—Ranchero Culture, vegetable and citrus farming/immigrant farm workers, benefits from NAFTA, Spanish language, illegal immigration
Southwest Texas—ranching and agriculture, binational, bicultural, bilingual
German Hill Country—farming, ranching, politically/socially conservative, Roman Catholic and Lutheran
West Texas—socially/politically conservative, protestant, white, ranching, oil, farming dependent upon Ogallala Aquifer irrigation
Panhandle—midwestern character and institutions (churches, political parties); Republicans, Protestants, farming
North Texas—defense, aerospace, manufacturing, banking/commerce
Central Texas—high tech, migration from NE and W US and other parts of Texas, culturally diverse
Cultural Diversity
Fast growing population
Increase in % Hispanic population and decrease in % of Anglo population….Hispanics expected to outnumber Anglos by 2025 and be the majority by 2040.