Texas Talks Clip - Talking Tejano History: Mexican Independence

Dr. Emilio Zamora and Dr. Andres Tijerina discuss the Spanish origin of Tejanos in the formation of Texas, and their part in the independence of Mexico from the rule of Spain.

[bushwackcreek]

My ancestors immigrated to Texas from Alsace in 1843. Landing in Galveston and trekking to San Antonio to camp and await settlement lands supposedly provided by Henri Castro, later Castroville. While camped in San Antonio on the Alamo grounds for nearly a year, they endured a Cholera epidemic which killed my Great-great-great-great grandmother Schertz and two of her daughters. They were buried in a mass grave in the old city cemetery east of town. My Great-great-great grandfather Mergele and his family and in-laws joined the Solms-Braunfels Colony and were founders of New Braunfels. Growing up in Texas, I was educated only in the history of Texas in regards to the Gringo revolution of 1836. When I finally learned of the Tejano Revolution of 1813 I became profoundly disappointed in the Anglo/Pro-slavery version of the history of my state and the origins of the Republic of Texas.

[robertaurrutia]

Very good explanation. I always wondered why we in the US (Texas) celebrate Mexican Independence Day. Now please explain why we Americans celebrate the battle between Mexico and France on May 5.

[blastrevino]

We are mixed with the indians too. Tejanos are from texas originaly. And mixed with spain.

[randolph]

What this historian forgets to point out, was that much of those who fought against Spain, were influenced by Anglo-Masonry, and Protestantism taking root in Texas. The bulk of Tejanos were not against Spain, and on the contrary, never voted to become a part of Mexico either. The Republic of Texas, was ethnically centered around the new Anglo-Protestant settlers and their new slavery system, and Mestizos and the full blooded indians were regarded as obstacles to land grabs. So no, I as a Tejano still prefer the Holy Mother Country of Spain.