Question

Wealthy ranchers built watchtowers in order to provide protection for less-fortunate Tejanos.

True/False

Answer 1

The claim that wealthy ranchers built watchtowers to protect less-fortunate Tejanos is false. American settlers were different from Tejanos, mainly because many were slave owners and had different religious beliefs.

Step-by-step explanation:

True or False: Wealthy Ranchers Built Watchtowers to Protect Tejanos

The statement that wealthy ranchers built watchtowers in order to provide protection for less-fortunate Tejanos is false.

There is no historical evidence to support this claim. Watchtowers were not a typical feature of Texan ranches during this period, and the wealthy class was more focused on protecting their own interests rather than altruistically aiding others.

This question relates to broader historical contexts involving the American settlers in the Mexican province of Texas, the differences between American settlers and Tejanos, and the social and economic transformations brought about by land acquisitions and disputes in the American West.

Important Historical Examples from the Period

American settlers in the Mexican province of Texas were typically unlike Tejanos in that many were slave owners and they remained religiously distinct from the Roman Catholic Tejanos (Option D - A and B).

These settlers brought distinct cultural norms that were in stark contrast to the Tejanos' customs and had significant implications on territorial politics and social dynamics.

Recruiting native allies was crucial in the Spanish conquest of the Aztec, emphasizing the complexities of power struggles and alliances in colonial history (Option A - True).

The Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo resulted in Mexico losing more than half of its territorial land mass, illustrating the massive territorial changes following the Mexican-American War (Option A - True)

Answer 2

The provided information does not support the claim that wealthy ranchers built watchtowers for Tejanos; it focuses on the differences between settlers and Tejanos, the effects of Anglo settlement, and the Spanish conquest of the Aztec.The statement is false.

Step-by-step explanation:

The statement that wealthy ranchers built watchtowers to provide protection for less-fortunate Tejanos is not directly supported by the information provided and seems to be a false premise. The historical context discussed focuses on differences between American settlers and Tejanos in Texas, land tenure systems in California, opposition to Anglo settlement in New Mexico, the effects of fencing on traditional land use, and the Spanish conquest of the Aztec. American settlers in Texas differed from Tejanos primarily because many were slave owners and they remained religiously distinct. Additionally, the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo did indeed result in Mexico losing over half of its territory, and recruiting native allies was crucial in the Spanish conquest of the Aztec.

As for the context of Tejanos and ranching, it is important to note the disruptions caused by Anglo settlement, such as the division of communal lands and the negative impact of fences on traditional grazing patterns. This historical information highlights the tensions and transitions in land use and property rights that took place in the 19th century American Southwest, rather than the construction of protective structures for Tejanos by wealthy ranchers.