Exploros | Tejanos and American Indians in the State of Texas

Tejanos and American Indians in the State of Texas

Students learn about discrimination against the Tejanos and Native Americans in Texas. They read how the Tejanos felt like they did not belong in Texas (the U.S.) or Mexico. They analyze the issues facing the Native Americans and how the federal and state governments tried to solve their problems. Finally, they examine a letter from a Texas Ranger to Governor Pease about treatment of Native Americans.

This learning experience is designed for device-enabled classrooms. The teacher guides the lesson, and students use embedded resources, social media skills, and critical thinking skills to actively participate. To get access to a free version of the complete lesson, sign up for an exploros account.

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Overview

In this experience, students learn about discrimination against the Tejanos and Native Americans in Texas. They read how the Tejanos felt like they did not belong in Texas (the U.S.) or Mexico. They analyze the issues facing the Native Americans and how the federal and state governments tried to solve their problems. Finally, they examine a letter from a Texas Ranger to Governor Pease about treatment of Native Americans.

Students will collaborate in small groups for scene 2 and scene 3.

Objectives:

Describe the challenges faced by Tejanos after the U.S.-Mexican War.
Explain the ongoing conflicts between American Indians and Texans.

The U.S.-Mexican War had a lasting effect on the United States. President Polk wanted to enlarge the size of the United States and was willing to do whatever was necessary in order to do so. Although the fighting was with the country of Mexico, the Mexican people in Texas suffered, too.

Tejanos are Spanish-speaking Texas settlers descended from the original Spanish settlers of Mexico. Some Anglo Texans were prejudiced against the Tejanos. They did not believe that the Tejanos were truly loyal to the United States, and they began discriminating against them after the U.S.-Mexican War.

The Tejano Monument, Texas Capitol Grounds,
salutes Texas's first cowboys—Tejanos—and other Spanish-speaking settlers

In this experiment you will learn about the discrimination against Tejanos and Native Americans in Texas.

Objectives:

Describe the challenges faced by Tejanos after the U.S.-Mexican War.
Explain the ongoing conflicts between American Indians and Texans.

Think about other groups that have faced discrimination in the United States. Why and when did they suffer from discrimination?

Post your answer

Answers will vary, depending on students’ knowledge and personal experiences. Some examples of discrimination arising from historical events:

African Americans, especially in the South before the civil rights movement: Blacks did not have the same rights as whites.
Japanese in America during WWII: People did not trust them after the bombing of Pearl Harbor.
Muslims today: Some Americans fear that Muslim refugees are terrorists.

Divide students into their small groups for the next two scenes. When everyone is ready to continue, unlock the next scene.