Question

Which of the following best describes a defining characteristic of the Age of Contact era in Texas history?

a) Anglo and Spanish settlers established colonies in Texas.
b) American Indian tribes were driven out of Texas by French settlers.
c) Spanish colonists abandoned the exploration of Texas after not finding any gold.
d) Spanish explorers and French explorers both claimed land in Texas.

Answer 1

The Age of Contact era in Texas history is characterized by both Spanish and French explorers laying claims to Texan territory. American settlers in the Mexican province of Texas were typically different from tejanos as they were often slave owners and practiced different religions, which played a role in the Texas Revolution.

Step-by-step explanation:

The period identified as the Age of Contact in Texas history is best described by Spanish and French explorers claiming land in the area. During this time, both Spain and France explored and laid claims to Texas, leading to a complex interaction between various European powers and the indigenous populations. This era was marked by exploration, claim-staking, and the early settling of Europeans in the Texan territory. As for the characteristics of American settlers in the Mexican province of Texas compared to tejanos (Texans of Hispanic heritage), the settlers were typically unlike tejanos in that many were slave owners and they remained religiously distinct from the Roman Catholic tejanos, selecting options D. A and B. The influx of American settlers, who were culturally and religiously distinct and often held slaves, ultimately led to rising tensions and the Texas Revolution.