Strand
Social Studies
Objectives
Identify the events of the early 20th century in the Borderlands region and understand how they led to violence. Interpret primary source material to develop a point of view about the course of the events. Stage a mock trial to determine if the actions of the Rangers were justified or not.
Historical Perspective
The first Texas Rangers were a mounted militia assembled by Stephen Austin in 1823 in order to provide protection for new settlers to the Texas frontier. Their role was to police the border to prevent banditry and cattle rustling. In the early decades of the 20th century, the Rangers were largely working for the Anglo landowners restricting the rights and privileges of Mexicanos living in the region. White Americans tended to hold the Texas Rangers in high regard, viewing them as heroic vigilantes taming the last vestiges of the American frontier. This view coincides with the prevailing Anglo stereotypes that Mexicans were ruthless bandits who had little regard for American lives or property. Conspiracy theories added to the tensions following the Mexican Revolution and the outbreak of World War I in Europe. In August 1915, an uprising of Mexicanos led to greater violence and increased activity of the Texas Rangers. In 1918, the tensions reached a crisis when Texas Rangers killed and mutilated the bodies of fifteen Mexicans in Porvenir, Texas. This eventually led Texas legislators to call for greater restrictions on the activities of the Texas Rangers.
Pacing
Two class periods
Materials
Expository Writing
Students have the opportunity to write a research report (see Extension below).
Key Questions
What were the conditions in the Borderlands region that led to violence in the early 20th century?
What role did the Texas Rangers play in this region?
What were the prevailing American attitudes toward Mexicans during this time and how did this affect the course of events?Point of View
Each student will write a one-page legal brief highlighting the events in question and the evidence for or against the Texas Rangers’ actions. Students will research the history of this region and the specific events leading up to the Porvenir incident. Have students research these topics using the provided links. Encourage them to use the suggested Graphic Organizer as they read the sources. The written brief should clearly identify whether the student believes there is enough evidence to charge the Rangers with a crime.
DBQs
To start students thinking about the role of the Texas Rangers have them examine the photograph below.
Key questions they should answer are:
- What does the photo depict?
- Why do you think this photo was taken?
- What is due process?
- How are the Rangers being depicted? The Mexican?
Texas Rangers pose with a Mexican prisoner in 1894/
Western History Collection, University of OklahomaDirections
Distribute the student activity sheet or have students access it via The Latino American Experience’s Classroom Resources. Have the students observe the photograph of the Texas Rangers and write down the answers to the key questions. Tell the students they will be researching causes and events surrounding the violence that erupted in the Borderlands region in the early part of the 20th century. Have the students keep the following topics in mind as they conduct their research in preparation for their trial:
- History of the Borderlands region
- American attitudes toward Mexicans
- Mexican attitudes toward Americans
- Role of instability caused by the Mexican Revolution
- World War I and the Borderlands
- Effects of immigration during the period
- Specific actions of Rangers and other parties
Assign roles for the hearing; the teacher may wish to play the role of the judge. Roles may include prosecuting attorneys and defending attorneys, Mexican witnesses, American witnesses, Rangers as defendants, and jury members. Tell students to use the Two-Column Graphic Organizer to take notes. One column should be evidence that justifies the Rangers’ actions; the other column should be evidence that points to a crime having been committed. The writing should incorporate specific details from their research.
Assessment
Use the Generic Writing Rubric to assess students’ performance on their legal brief. Use the Debate Rubric to assess students’ performance during the mock hearing.
Extension
Have the students use The Latino American Experience to research and write an analytical essay on the role of racism in Mexican-American relations during the 1920s and 1930s.
(May be copied for classroom use.)