Tejano Leadership in Mexican and Revolutionary Texas

by Jesús F. De la Teja (Editor)

Overview

Tejanos (Texans of Mexican heritage) were instrumental leaders in the life and development of Texas during the Mexican period, the war of independence, and the Texas Republic. Jesús F. de la Teja and ten other scholars examine the lives, careers, and influence of many long-neglected but historically significant Tejano leaders who were active and influential in the formation, political and military leadership, and economic development of Texas. In Tejano Leadership in Mexican and Revolutionary Texas, lesser-known figures such as Father Refugio de la Garza, Juan Martín Veramendi, José Antonio Saucedo, Raphael Manchola, and Carlos de la Garza join their better-known counterparts-José Antonio Navarro, Juan Seguín, and Plácido Benavides, for example-on the stage of Texas and regional historical consideration. This book also features a foreword by David J. Weber, in which he discusses how Anglocentric views allowed important Tejano figures to fade from public knowledge. Students and scholars of Texas and regional history, those interested in Texana, and readers in Latino/a studies will glean important insights from Tejano Leadership in Mexican and Revolutionary Texas. Jesús F. de la Teja is a past president of the Texas State Historical Association. He is a professor and chair of the Department of History at Texas State University-San Marcos.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781603441667
Publisher:	Texas A&M University Press
Publication date:	01/18/2010
Series:	Elma Dill Russell Spencer Series in the West and Southwest , #34
Pages:	278
Product dimensions:	5.60(w) x 9.20(h) x 0.70(d)

About the Author

Jesús F. de la Teja is a past president of the Texas State Historical Association. He is a professor and chair of the Department of History at Texas State University–San Marcos.

Table of Contents

Foreword David J. Weber ix

Preface xiii

Introduction Jesús F. de la Teja 1

At the Nexus of Change Raúl A. Ramos José Antonio Saucedo 12

Tejano Political and Business Leader David R. McDonald Juan Martín de Veramendi 28

Tejano Soldier, Statesman, Ranchero Andrés Tijerina Rafael Antonio Manchola 42

Fighting Tejano Federalist Stephen L. Hardin Plácido Benavides 56

Controverted Religious Leader Robert E. Wright, O.M.I. Father Refugio de la Garza 76

Leadership Lost Carolina Castillo Crimm Fernando de León 102

The Ultimate Insider Andrés Reséndez Ramón Múzquiz 128

The Problem of Tejano Powerlessness James E. Crisp José Antonio Navarro 146

Narrating a Tejano Life Timothy Matovina José Antonio Menchaca 170

Loyalist Leader Alonzo Salazar Don Carlos de la Garza 194

Federalist, Rebel, Exile Jesús F. de la Teja Juan N. Seguín 212

Contributors 231

Index 235

Editorial Reviews

"These carefully researched and well-documented chapters of varying length are more integrated than often happens in an edited work, with connections and interactions shown among key figures. Thoughtful conjecture is provided as to their motives behind the actions of these Tejano leaders. Another strong point is that the contributors do not assume extensive knowledge on the part of the reader but provide necessary background and context. Tejano Leadership in Mexican and Revolutionary Texas is a valuable addition to the growing diverse historiography on the Southwest. Through effective use of the biographical approach, de la Teja and the other notable scholars involved in this project have produced an edited work that is greater than the sum of its parts."—Harriett Denise Joseph, The Journal of Southern History

Journal of Southern History - Harriett Denise Joseph

". . . the centrality of war in the lives of those profiled makes this book valuable to scholars of military history. . . Engagingly written and accessible to the general reader, this anthology enriches our understanding of a transformative period in the military history of the southwest. . . This volume has more to offer those interested in the relationship between the military and society, the formation of insurgencies, and the impact of military events on civilian populations." - Daniel S. Haworth, Military History of the West

Military History of the West - Daniel S. Haworth

It is nearly criminal that we have had so little reliable biographical work on the major leaders of Mexican and Revolutionary Texas. With this book, that all changes. It is a major achievement.”—Gregg Cantrell, professor of history, Texas Christian University

professor of history, Texas Christian University - Gregg Cantrell

"Tejano Leadership in Mexican and Revolutionary Texas is a major step in filling in gaps in our understanding of this important period in Texas History. This collection of essays, written by some of the most respected scholars in the field, presents readers with a clear picture of the lives and roles of native Texans who lived in a tumultuous age. It's destined to become a standard."—Richard Bruce Winders, historian and curator, The Alamo

Historian and Curator, The Alamo - Richard Bruce Winders

"Tejano Leadership in Mexican and Revolutionary Texas is one of the most impressive books I have read in years.  Thoroughly researched by eleven eminent scholars, the book is incisive and balanced, as well as revelatory and absorbing.  Academic and general readers will love these ingenious and incisive biographical sketches of leading Tejanos in what is undeniably the most crucial era of Texas history."—Jerry Thompson, Regents Professor of History, Texas A&M International University

Regents Professor of History, Texas A&M International University - Jerry Thompson