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Texas Civil War Reconstruction
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Texas Civil War Reconstruction
From 1861 to 1877, Texas experienced war, emancipation, and major political change. In 1861, Texas seceded from the United States and joined the Confederacy. Governor Sam Houston opposed secession and would not swear allegiance to the Confederacy, so he was removed from office. Texas contributed cotton, cattle, and thousands of soldiers to the Confederate cause.
The war brought loss and hardship to Texas communities. On June 19, 1865, Union General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston and announced that enslaved people in Texas were free under federal law. The date became known as Juneteenth. Although emancipation had been declared earlier, many enslaved Texans had not yet received the news or freedom in practice.
After the war, Reconstruction brought efforts to rebuild and reshape government. Texas came under federal military oversight and adopted a new constitution that abolished slavery. Edmund J. Davis, a Republican, became governor in 1869. Reconstruction ended in 1877, and Democrats regained control of Texas government. In the years that followed, state laws and practices increasingly restricted African Americans’ rights.
Check Your Understanding
Choose the best answer for each question.
1.Why was Sam Houston removed as governor of Texas in 1861?
- He refused to pledge allegiance to the Confederacy.
- He led Union troops into Galveston.
- He moved the state capital to another city.
- He opposed the end of Reconstruction.
2.What event is commemorated by Juneteenth?
- Texas joining the Confederacy
- The announcement in Galveston that enslaved people in Texas were free
- The election of Edmund J. Davis
- The beginning of federal military oversight in Texas
3.Who became governor of Texas in 1869 during Reconstruction?
- Gordon Granger
- Sam Houston
- Edmund J. Davis
- Abraham Lincoln
4.Which three resources or contributions from Texas supported the Confederate war effort? Select all that apply.
- Cotton
- Cattle
- Thousands of soldiers
- Steam-powered tanks
Explain and Recall
Answer in complete sentences where appropriate.
5.Explain why June 19, 1865, was significant for enslaved people in Texas and why it is remembered as Juneteenth.
6.Name two challenges or major changes Texas faced during Reconstruction.
7.What political change followed the end of Reconstruction in 1877, and what happened to African Americans’ rights in Texas afterward?
8.Complete the sentence: On June 19, 1865, General announced in that enslaved people in Texas were free.
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