A. Explain the mentality (mental attitude) of Tejanos in video 1.

B. Can colonization like Austin’s in Tejas identify and help solve social and global issues? Explain.

C. Identify two conditions the Mexican government set for the Austin Colony.

D. How did Jose Maria Sanchez view the colonists and what were its cultural implications: Mastery Assessment 5: Response and Analysis.

C.

Two conditions were that settlers had to convert to Catholicism and settlers had to swear allegiance to the Republic of Mexico. These conditions were meant to integrate American immigrants into Mexican society, but many settlers ignored them and maintained their own religious and political beliefs (National Park Service, 2022).

D.
Jose Maria Sanchez viewed the American colonists in Texas with suspicion and disapproval. He described them as lazy and of bad character, noting that they relied on enslaved labor and treated their slaves harshly. His concerns suggested a cultural divide between the Mexican government and the American settlers, foreshadowing tensions that would later lead to conflict (Shi & Tindall, 2016).

A. Juan Seguin was at the Alamo and the Battle of San Jacinto. Why do you think he isn’t treated as one of the Great Heroes of Texas Independence?

B. What was the “Runaway Scrape”?

A. Andrew Jackson, Sam Houston, and James K. Polk were all politicians from Tennessee who advocated for the western expansion of the United States. They succeeded. Explain if you think they were heroes or villains for their ambition and their methods for success.

B. In the 1840s, leading Californios met to discuss their options. List these options

C. Who was Mariano Guadalupe Vallejo and why was he important?

Leading Californios discussed several options in their 1840s meetings. These included seeking annexation by France due to its Catholic ties, joining the British Empire for protection, establishing an independent Republic of California, and accepting U.S. annexation, which Mariano Guadalupe Vallejo ultimately supported.

C.

Mariano Guadalupe Vallejo was a prominent Californio leader and landowner who initially sought to maintain Mexican control but later supported U.S. annexation. He believed that joining the United States would bring prosperity and political stability to California. Despite his contributions, he was later marginalized and lost much of his land.

A. What were Mexicans in California and Texas promised after the war and how were they actually treated?

B. What social and cultural issues led Juan Cortina to establish the “Republic of the Rio Grande”?

C. Why is Juan Cortina called the “Robin Hood of the Rio Grande”? Do you think this title is justified? Explain.

C.

Cortina is called the “Robin Hood of the Rio Grande” because he fought against what he saw as unjust land seizures and oppression of Mexicans. Whether the title is justified depends on perspective. His supporters saw him as a defender of Mexican rights, while his enemies viewed him as a criminal and rebel. Given the legal injustices faced by Mexican Americans, his actions can be seen as a form of resistance against systemic oppression (American Battlefield Trust, 2020).

A. Individuals often make decisions that change millions of lives for generations. Which two of the individuals discussed in the videos do you find most important and/or inspiring?

B. What should or could the 19^th-century leaders have done differently regarding Mexican-American relations?

C. Based on what you know and what you’ve learned what do you think should or could be done to improve relations today?

Two inspiring individuals from the videos include Sam Houston and Juan Cortina. Sam Houston played a key role in securing Texas independence and later worked to prevent unnecessary bloodshed. Despite criticism, his leadership shaped the future of Texas. Juan Cortina’s resistance against injustice and efforts to protect Mexican Americans make him an important historical figure, showing the struggle for civil rights long before the modern era.

B.
Leaders could have honored the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo by enforcing equal rights for Mexican Americans. They could have also implemented fair land policies and respected cultural differences instead of allowing racial discrimination and economic exploitation (American Battlefield Trust, 2020).

C. Based on what you know and what you’ve learned, what do you think should or could be done to improve relations today?
Efforts should be made to recognize and teach the full history of Mexican-American relations in schools. Policies to address historical land injustices and promote fair immigration and border relations can help mend past tensions. Celebrating shared cultural heritage and ensuring equal rights for all people of Mexican descent can also strengthen relations.