The colonization of Texas A. The creation of a Dominant Class- Before 1848, the valley of the Rio Grande supported many thousands of cattle. Commerce between the people on both sides of the river bound them together. As technological changes took place in the regions economy, class divisions became more marked within the Mexican community; the upper class more often aligned themselves with the new elite. In many cases the rich Mexicans became brokers for the ruling elite and helped control the Mexican masses. B. Politics of Gender- Social relations between Mexicans and the dominant society became more rigid with the passage of time. Intermarriage between the native aristocracy and the white ruling elite was not uncommon; both because of lack of white woman and for control of the native population. C. Controlling Mexicans- the railroad played a key role in the economic development of San Antonio after the Civil War. The railroad encouraged the development of cattle trade and brought tourist to the city. Newspaper accounts inflamed residents, spreading rumors that Mexicans had armed themselves. D. Divide and Conquer- In August 1894, Blacks attacked Mexicans at Beeville, Texas. Mexicans were brought there to drive down wages of blacks and to create a labor surplus. The federal government encouraged this antagonism by stationing black soldiers in Mexican areas. E. The Historian as an Agent of Social Control- Texas had a history of violence. This brought terror toward the Mexicans since they didn’t have the same protection under the law. In South Texas, Mexicans outnumbered the North American, latter controlled politics and the land. F. The Revolt of “Cheno” Cortina- Mexicans did not accept North American rule and they hardly felt like liberated people. They called them greasers and denied them the opportunity to acquire property, to excerise political control over their own lives, and to maintain their rights within the s...
