Key Eras in Texas History Quick Check
There are several key eras in Texas history that have had a significant impact on the development of the state. Some of these include:
1. Spanish Colonial Era (1519-1821): This era began with the arrival of Spanish explorers in Texas, such as Alonso Álvarez de Pineda and Álvar Núñez Cabeza de Vaca. Spanish missionaries established missions throughout the region, and Spain claimed Texas as part of its colonial empire.
2. Mexican Independence and Mexican Texas (1821-1836): This era began with Mexico gaining independence from Spain. Mexican officials encouraged Anglo-American settlement in Texas, but tensions grew between the Mexican government and American settlers over issues such as slavery and local autonomy.
3. Texas Revolution (1835-1836): This era saw the Texian rebels fight against Mexican rule to establish an independent republic. The most famous battle of this era was the Battle of the Alamo, where a small group of Texians fought against a much larger Mexican army.
4. Republic of Texas (1836-1845): After winning independence, Texas became a separate nation. During this era, Texas established its own government, wrote its own constitution, and engaged in conflicts with Native American tribes.
5. Annexation and Mexican-American War (1845-1848): In 1845, Texas was annexed by the United States and became the 28th state. This led to tensions between the U.S. and Mexico, which ultimately resulted in the Mexican-American War.
6. Reconstruction Era (1865-1877): This era followed the end of the Civil War and focused on rebuilding the state after the devastation of the war. During this time, African Americans gained some political and civil rights, but the period was also marked by racial violence and the rise of the Ku Klux Klan.
7. Progressive Era (1900-1920): The Progressive Era in Texas was characterized by political and social reforms. Progressives aimed to address issues such as child labor, women's suffrage, and worker protection through legislation and activism.
8. Civil Rights Movement (1950s-1960s): The Civil Rights Movement in Texas mirrored the larger national movement for racial equality. Activists fought to end segregation and ensure equal rights for African Americans, leading to landmark court cases and legislative changes.
9. Oil Boom (early 20th century): The discovery of oil in Texas in the early 20th century had a dramatic impact on the state's economy. The oil boom attracted businesses and workers to the state and contributed to significant economic growth.
10. Modern Era (1980s-present): This era includes recent developments in Texas history, such as economic growth, urbanization, and increased diversity. It also includes significant events, such as the election of George W. Bush as President of the United States in 2000.
Which of the following explains why history is divided into eras?(1 point)
Responses
to help historians organize history and highlight common characteristics and turning points
to help historians organize history and highlight common characteristics and turning points
to help understand each event that occurred in that time period to give an in-depth picture
to help understand each event that occurred in that time period to give an in-depth picture
The people who lived the history divided it up into eras for future historians to study.
The people who lived the history divided it up into eras for future historians to study.
to group events and dates in periods that cannot overlap with other periods of time
The correct answer is: to help historians organize history and highlight common characteristics and turning points.
Identify two possible names for the era of Texas history that lasted from 1865 to 1900.(1 point)
Responses
the era of Reconstruction or the Age of Oil
the era of Reconstruction or the Age of Oil
the era of Cotton, Cattle, and Railroads or the Jim Crow era
the era of Cotton, Cattle, and Railroads or the Jim Crow era
the era of the Texas Republic or Early Statehood
the era of the Texas Republic or Early Statehood
the Civil Rights era or the era of Texas Conservatism
Identify the era when crop farming and permanent settlements were first introduced to Texas.(1 point)
Responses
the era of Indigenous Texas
the era of Indigenous Texas
the Age of Contact era
the Age of Contact era
the era of Cotton, Cattle, and Railroads
the era of Cotton, Cattle, and Railroads
the Spanish Colonial era
What colony was Texas part of before 1821?(1 point)
Responses
New Amsterdam
New Amsterdam
New Spain
New Spain
New Mexico
New Mexico
New England
The correct answer is: New Spain.
When was Texas its own country?(1 point)
Responses
1718 to 1821
1718 to 1821
1821 to 1836
1821 to 1836
1845 to 1860
1845 to 1860
1836 to 1845