Chapter 7 Section 3

The Great Plains and the Southwest

Great Plains

• The vast grassland that lies between the Mississippi River and the Rocky Mountains– Dry– Treeless– Desert like

Nomadic

• People that continually migrate rather than staying in one location– Many of the Indian

tribes living in the Great Plains were nomadic

Presidio

• Spanish forts– Built a network of these

forts along the California coast line

Texas Wars for Independence

• Independent minded settlers (mostly American) in Texas clashed with Mexican troops

• Wanted to make Texas an independent nation– Maybe even a U.S. state

some day…maybe…

Battle of the Alamo

• 13 day battle• Fewer than 200 Texans

vs. 4,000 Mexicans• Mexicans win• “Remember the Alamo”

become a rallying cry for Texan independence

How did horses and traders change the way of life of the plains Indians?

• Allowed many natives to adopt a nomadic lifestyle

• Helped in trade• Transportation• Warfare• Hunting

Why was Spain unable to establish firm control over northern Mexico?

• Native Americans in the area rebelled against Spanish rule

• European nations were attempting to take control of Spanish territory in America

• Strong economic influence of the United States

Why did people in New Mexico trade more with the United States than with the rest of Mexico?

• High quality and low price of American goods

• Santa Fe trail allowed for easy trade with the Americans

What events triggered the Texas War for Independence?

• Mexican laws opposing American immigration and import of slaves

• Americans in Texas wanted the same political right they had in the U.S.

• Mexican leader Santa Anna moved away from democratic rule

• Texas wanted to rule itself, Santa Anna would not allow it

How did the Texas War for Independence end?

• Texans surprised Santa Anna’s forces at the San Jacinto River

• Mexicans routed in minutes

• Santa Anna captured• Treaty of Velasco

recognized the Republic of Texas– Mexico unhappy…

problems later…

Why do you think the Madan chose not to adopt the nomadic way of life?

• They enjoyed being middlemen in the fur trade

• The horse did not have a great impact on their culture

Name 2 effects of increased trade between the United States and northern Mexico.

• Santa Fe trail linked countries economically and culturally

• Strong commercial ties gave Americans significant influence