Amerindian Culture in Texas - Assignment Example

1. What was the most interesting aspect of Amerindian culture in Texas I think the most interesting aspect of Amerindian culture in Texas is the Mashramani. It is said to be Texas' "national occasion observed in celebration of the country's Republican achievement." The word mashramani is said to be "derived from the Arawak dialect which means cooperation after hard work." It has been recorded that even up to the present time, some communities of Amerindians of Arawakan ancestry still engage in cooperative community work. Then they culminate their cooperative work by the use of their local traditional drinks to celebrate their achievement. Moreover, the local term the Amerindians call their cooperative efforts is "cayape." http://landofsixpeoples.com/news303/nc309216.htm 2. One of my favorite quotes from Ann Richards: "Ginger Rogers did everything Fred Astaire did. She just did it backwards and in high heels!" How do you feel this quote reflects the history of Texas women-- Women in Texas: A Pioneer Spirit by Linda S. Hudson Women of Texas, since its funding, have always been active participants in the maintenance and protection of their households and homesteads. It has been recorded that when the men are out fighting for the defense of their land, the women do not only the maintain the household chores but they also do the tasks the men left undone including the protection of their places from invaders. The above quote signifies the veracity of Texan women's history. These women have the capacity and the will to do men's works when necessary. It was even made real later, when the Spanish came. Women were even more acknowledged and allowed to occupy leadership positions in the government that later opposition to the position women occupy in the home and community did not change the situation. 3. Please review the article: Spain's Cultural Legacy in Texas by Flix D. Almarz, Jr. Although the Spanish did not create settlements like the English in the Chesepeake or establish trading networks with Amerindians like the French in Canada, they did leave their mark on Texas. Think about place names, language, architecture, religion, etc. The Spanish left a large impact on the everyday lives of the people of Texas. Their folklore, for instance, have the dichos (witty proverbs) and cuentos (stories). In the legal terms, Spanish legal concepts such as property rights for women, adoption of orphaned children and their equal shares in the inheritance, and state ownership of subsoil resources, have been incorporated in Texas' policies up to the present. Moreover, for the division of land areas, they have the hacienda or leguas (4,428 acres), labores (177 acres), and varas (33 inches). Spanish mark can also be seen in their folk dances, music and foodstuffs. Even the churchyard dramas like the Las Posadas and Los Pastores are parts of their celebration of Christmas. In addition, several names of streets, plazas, bridges, roads and buildings are in Spanish, as well as the names of trees, flowers & other plants such as: tuna, manzanilla and alamo. 4. Basing your answer on the requests of Texans drawn up by the Conventions of 1832 and 1833, identify and describe the complaints (or changes desired) of Texans at this point in time -- Texas Independence by Archie P. McDonald The resolutions that were requested by the Texans in the Conventions of 1832 and 1833 are summarized in the following terms: the renewal of land grants, more units of local self-government, exemptions from customs collection for three more years, militia for defense against the Indians, and a separate statehood within the Mexican government. The demands in both conventions are almost the same except that in 1833 it was accompanied with a framed a constitution and presided by a more aggressive William Wharton instead of Austin. Most of these requests were finally granted except for the one on separate statehood. The Texans were said to still have lacked the population and the capacity to maintain and lead a separate statehood. 5. What were the various issues in public affairs (i. e., personalities, political parties, public problems and/or controversies) during early statehood-- Statehood, 1845-1860 by Michael L. Collins I think one of the major issues in public affairs during the early statehood pertains to property and slavery. The land was inhabited by a few wealthy men who own large tracks of land. These lands were used for farming cotton, sugar and other cash crops. The plantations could not prosper without the hundreds of slaves who worked in the land as well as in the households. When the new Republican Party of the North led by Abraham Lincoln proposed to eliminate slavery these rich people of Texas were the first to oppose it. Statistics showed the implication that the "labor system of slavery was a vitally important part of the Texas economy on the eve of the Civil War; and a small but influential class of wealthy farmers stood to gain the most to its preservation." 6. What were the hardships on the frontier What were the advances/improvements during this era Texas Transformed, 1874-1900 by Donald R. Walker The Civil War brought so much devastation on Texas. They lost the social, political and economic institutions that they used to enjoy. During the Reconstruction, they sought to regain the state's politics that suit them well. Agriculture has also shifted from the plantations to an increase in the number of farmers that result to unions and political and reform movements. Along with the difficulties that change and coping with change bring, transportation and communications expanded to bring about easier access for market and trade with the other states. There was also the rise of industrialization. The result of the post-reconstruction period was a much better living condition for most of the Texan. 7. Discuss Prohibition during the Progressive Era-- Progressivism in Texas by Norman D. Brown Prohibition is said to show many of the characteristics of most progressive reforms. It was focused with the moral fabric of society. Moreover, it was supported primarily by the middle classes. It aimed at controlling the "interests" (liquor distillers) that were allegedly connected with venal and corrupt politicians in city, state, and national governments. However, it was not until U.S. entry into the Great War that prohibitionists were able to secure enactment of national legislation. The Congress passed the 18th Amendment to the Constitution in 1918 that prohibits the manufacture, transportation, and sale of alcoholic beverages. The ratification of the said Amendment ensued the following year. 8. How did New Deal programs benefit Texans--Texas from Depression through World War II, 1929-1945 by Ben Procter The New Deal offered the possibility for a range of improvements like infrastructure. The discovery of oil at Spindletop in east Texas in January 1901 resulted to a rush for the liquid gold throughout Texas and into New Mexico. The initial strike in the Permian Basin set the standard for future development in west Texas and eastern New Mexico. The oilmen became convinced that the well would produce about two hundred barrels per day, thus in only a few days, several hundreds of people came to the town that also included some representatives from the Texas Company, that was later known as Texaco, and Gulf Oil.5 Oil rush had begun in the Permian Basin. Although most oil exploration took place in west Texas, interest soon extended into southeastern New Mexico. http://www.nps.gov/history/history/online_books/CarlsbadCav/pdf/7.pdf 9. Stephen Austin contributed much to the settlement of Texas by people from the United States, but he was not chosen to be the president of the Texas Republic. What are the factors that accounted for the failure of the people to elect him to that post-- The Republic of Texas by Stanley Siegel It was mainly because of the "prevailing belief that Houston's close friendship with United States President Andrew Jackson would insure annexation, but also because of the glory Houston won" in a straw ballot. The people believed that Huston could represent their desire better than any other candidate like Austin despite the latter's previous contribution to the settlement in Texas. In addition, Austin was not able to carry out their demands for statehood in 1832. During those times, the election was not a battle of parties but of personalities, thus Sam Houston appeared to show great promise so he was put into the position. The Heritage Farmstead Museum Name: The Heritage Farmstead Museum, Plano, Texas Location: The Heritage Farmstead Museum is located at 1900 15th Street, Plano, TX 75075. Hours of Operation: The heritage Farmstead Museum in Plano, Texas has different schedules for its different departments and services. It is open on Monday - Friday for House tours from 10:00 am - 12:00 noon and on Saturday and Sunday for one single tour at 1:00 pm. It is closed on holidays. The main Museum is open on Monday - Sunday for one guided tour at 1:30 pm and on Sunday - Saturday the grounds open from 9:00 am to 4:30 pm. It is closed on holidays. In addition, to be of better service to its patrons the museum also sponsors many educational and special interest programs as well as tours for a variety of groups such as seniors, special education, and civic tour groups. Admission Fees: The Museum has the following admission fees with special discounts for group tours. The self guided grounds tour costs $2.00 per person, while the adult guided tour is $5.00 per person, and for seniors who are 66 years old and above and children who are 3-18, the price is $3.50 per person. Group tours are also provided. Scope of collection (what do they exhibit): For the museum itself, the artifacts collections come from the period of 1880-1920. These include the Restored 1891 Victorian house and seven restored original outbuildings dating from 1897-1910. Along with these are a potting shed, blacksmith shop, smokehouse, sheep and ram barns, and pole barn. There are also objects in the house, such as large furniture pieces, small decorative objects, books, and other illustrations which furnish fourteen period rooms in the house. Outside the buildings one can find farm implements, equipment, and large machinery dating from 1890-1910 as well as blacksmith metal tools and forge. To make the visit a more realistic and true-to-life experience, there are also live animals like mule, donkey, sheep, rabbits, chickens, ducks, a goat, and pig in the homestead. Why did you choose this museum I have chosen this museum because aside from its being near my residence, it showcases the Texan past and present. When I got there, memories of my childhood as well as the stories of my parents and grandparents come alive. It has transported me to the past and it gave me a relief from the fast-paced urban life I am now living. It is like a home that welcomes the wandering pilgrim. It was a nostalgic yet informative and enlightening experience. Was this visit educational The visit is educational indeed. I have come to realize that the simplicity of life way back then have so much benefit not only for the mind and body but also for the soul. People of the past need not go to the gym to be physically fit; working in the farm is already a good exercise. There was so much peace and quiet in the absence of modern technology and all was fresh and alive. I believe they had less worries and fears back then; no threats of terrorism and economic crisis because life was so simple and the neighborhood was so friendly. So much is lost now. We have traded the simplicity of the past to the costly complexity of the present. Would you recommend this museum to others, and how do you feel museums/sites contribute to our society and understanding of history. I would recommend this museum to others because it offers comprehensive decent training; holiday special events; extensive, multi-level school programs; teacher workshops and in-services; costumed, docent-led tours of the house and site; pre-school public programs; family Saturday series; adult history programs; summer camp programs; exhibitions; and Scout programs and events. Museums are greatly instrumental in teaching, informing and reminding the present generation of the glorious past and of the ventures of our forefathers. We have become a great nation because the people who came before us have done their job well enough to give us what we have now. A course in history will surely be enriched and supplemented by tours to museums and historical sites. Read More