History & Memory: Tejanos & American Wars

The final episode & conclusion to the History & Memory: Tejanos in American Wars podcast. Thank you for listening. Conclusion: Tejanos, the Concept of Patriotism, and Memory Background Civil War background & UT Monuments of all sorts are interpretive tools (Lost Cause) 1. In the simplest of terms, monuments serve primary purpose of remembrance/community cohesion 2. They are public stat...

In this penultimate episode of the History & Memory podcast, Dr Alex Mendoza explores the Civil Rights era & the Chicano Movement in particular in the lead up the Tejano veterans' experience in the Vietnam War. I. Intro: The Changing Landscape of Civil Rights A. LULAC’s and Am GI Forum’s Assimilation messaging not resonating by 1960s 1. Discrimination still prevalent and voting still limit...

In this episode, Dr Alex Mendoza continues the discussion of Tejanos in American wars by tracing the post-WWII expereinces of Tejanos leading up to & including the Korean War. I. Intro: The Letdown of the Greatest Generation and the Good War A. The Felix Longoria Affair (Three Rivers Funeral for WW II vet) B. The Beating of Private Ben Aguirre (West Texas) 1. Teens beat Aguirre but well connec...

In this sixth episode of History & Memory, Tejanos in American Wars, we cover the volitale period between the two World Wars. In Dr Mendoza's book this is Chapter 5. Below is an outline of our discussion. The Blowback A. The WW I Legacy LULAC not for all (middle class) Great Depression of 1930s in which the New Deal excludes Tejanos B. Deportations Deportations in the 1930s hindered the goal o...

In this, the fifth episode of the History & Memory podcast Dr Mendoza unpacks the signifcant challenges & changes that take place for Tejanos in the period up to & including World War I. Early 20th Century Woes A. Economy 1. Land displacement—Commercial landowners a) Old system of accommodation breaks down during this time period 2. Immigration a) Population at 125,016 by 1910 b) Diaz...

In this fourth episode of History & Memory, Dr Mendoza carries us from the Civil War through the challenging Reconstruction years leading up to the US's first war of empire, the Spanish-American War. You can follow along with the outline below: Reconstruction to Frontier Era A. Limited Role for Tejanos on the Frontier 1. Security taken over by US Army a) Segregated units for African Americans...

In this third episode of History & Memory, Dr Mendoza discusses the years between Texas Independce & the Civil War, including the Mexican-American War. Below are is an outline of the discussion. Antebellum/Mexican War A. Laredo 1. Laredoans petitioned to remain part of Mexico after war broke out 2. MB Lamar: “Mexico has lost Laredo forever” Notions of identity and loyalty B. Republic of Ri...

In this second episode of History & Memory, your host covers a short prehistory of the Border region to try to help set the stage. Then Dr Mendoza covers the precolonial era through the Texas Revolution. Below is a Pre 1835 Tejanos A. Why Texas 1. Scattered Outposts—Life on the Frontier (Fronterizo identity/free border people) 2. Compañias Volantes—Precursor to Texas Rangers Uniqueness Danny C...

Summary In this episode, host Steve Sisson and historian Dr. Alex Mendoza explore the rich history of Mexican Texans, their dual identity, and the legacy of Confederate memory in Texas. They discuss personal stories, historical battles, and the ongoing reckoning with racial and cultural heritage. Keywords Mexican Texans, Texas history, Confederate legacy, border identity, racial tensions, Texas Ra...