Students learn about the Mexican Revolution and its impact on Texas. They examine the involvement of the United States and some of its citizens in the Mexican civil war. Then they learn about refugees from the war and listen to an account of the Texas Ranger massacre of innocent Hispanics. Next they explain how the Mexican Revolution affected treatment of Hispanics in Texas. Finally, they analyze the role of the League of United Latin American Citizens in Hispanic civil rights.
Students are introduced to the historical ties between Texas and Mexico and to the diverse terms used for the largest minority ethnic group in Texas. They review Mexico: Timeline, focusing on events after Texas independence in 1836, and post to a class wall explaining which event from the timeline they think had the greatest impact on Texas and why.
Teacher MovesPresent the lesson overview and objectives, highlighting that students will examine how the Mexican Revolution affected Hispanics in Texas. Prompt students to connect key events from the timeline to Texas history, then surface and discuss common responses (likely the U.S.–Mexican War of 1848). Use this discussion to transition students’ attention to the Mexican Revolution of 1910 as the focus of the experience.
Students read background text about Porfirio Díaz’s dictatorship, the causes and course of the Mexican Revolution, and U.S. involvement under President Woodrow Wilson. They then read about how Hispanics in Texas and some Americans participated in the conflict, including support for Pancho Villa. Students complete a short fill-in-the-blank activity to check their understanding of the length of the revolution, its target (Díaz), and Wilson’s role.
Teacher MovesClarify key concepts such as dictatorship, civil war, and foreign intervention, and ensure students understand why Mexicans opposed Díaz and why the United States became involved. Monitor and review student responses to the fill-in-the-blank questions to address misunderstandings about chronology, leaders, and motivations on both sides of the border.
Students read about the large influx of Mexican refugees into Texas during and after the revolution, the tensions with local residents, and the rise of discrimination, segregation, and violence. They listen to the audio broadcast The Texas Rangers Killed Hundreds of Hispanic Americans During the Mexican Revolution to learn about a specific episode of violence. Students then post to a class wall explaining how the Mexican Revolution affected the treatment of Hispanic Americans in Texas.
Teacher MovesGuide students in connecting refugee migration, economic competition, and political tensions to the rise in discrimination and violence. Highlight key ideas from student posts, sharing strong or insightful examples with the class. Use teacher notes to elaborate on local fears about jobs, housing, and political power, and to explain how U.S. military involvement and local support for Mexican rebels deepened mutual distrust between Anglos and Hispanics.
Students read about the founding and purpose of the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) and examine its mission statement. They read LULAC History - All for One and One for All, focusing on the reasons for LULAC’s formation and efforts to unify Mexican Americans. On a class wall, they propose ways LULAC might achieve its mission in their own community, either by suggesting original projects or by connecting existing LULAC programs to local needs. Students then review classmates’ posts and respond to at least two with questions or positive comments.
Teacher MovesEmphasize LULAC’s role as a civil rights organization and connect its mission to earlier content about discrimination against Hispanic Americans in Texas. Encourage students to think concretely about how advocacy, education, and community programs can address inequities today. Prompt constructive peer feedback on the wall and, if appropriate, highlight especially thoughtful or feasible project ideas for whole-class discussion.
Students complete the exit quiz by answering all the questions.
Teacher MovesFacilitate the assessment and use student data to evaluate understanding, address misconceptions, and identify areas for growth.
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