After Texas gained its independence from Mexico and was annexed into the United States, Tejanos, the native Mexican population that established Texas, faced various challenges. Specifically, they were frequently attacked by Mexican armies and Anglos. The former treated Tejanos as traitors since they fought for the independence of Texas, while the latter wanted more lands free from the natives. The newly arrived Anglos considered them foreigners even though Tejanos had lived there for decades.
To rectify the abovementioned issues, Tejano landowners had to arrange their daughters’ marriages with Anglos to maintain peace. Such political intermarriages resulted in the transfer of many of Tejano’s lands to Anglos. Furthermore, they made several unfavorable for them deals by selling their prosperous ranches and lands to Anglos for relatively low prices. Overall, they strived to preserve their culture, improve their farms, and establish peace with the invaders.
Journal Entry
March 10, 1848
One month passed since Anglos annexed Texas, and we lost hope of reconnecting with our families. My father used to say that every Tejano treats one’s guests honorably and respectfully; however, our guests now took away our home. I still do not understand how our benevolence resulted in us being forced to become American citizens without the same rights as white men. Tejanos gave Anglos their lands, livestock, and support when they first arrived in Texas, but they failed to give their respect back. Our fathers could not notice that the newcomers initially viewed Tejanos as their servants, much like they perceived black slaves. However, there should be no place for such a mindset and attitude in the territories established by our people. Unfortunately, we lack the military power to fight them, nor do we have the strength to change their belief system, which is fundamentally wrong. The only thing left for us is to demonstrate our peacefulness and respect to them for the sake of our families. Indeed, in this case, the only revenge is not to be like our enemies.