SS UIL Flashcards
What is the region associated with Gulf Culture?
Gulf Coast
Includes the Karankawa and Coahuiltecan tribes
Describe the lifestyle of the Gulf Culture.
Semi-nomadic, relying on fishing, hunting, and gathering.
What type of homes did the Gulf Culture use?
Small, temporary huts called wigwams made from brush and animal hides.
What was the economy of the Gulf Culture based on?
Depended on fish, shellfish, small game, and edible plants.
What was the social structure of the Gulf Culture?
Lived in small bands, each led by a chief.
What is a notable cultural aspect of the Gulf Culture?
Used dugout canoes for transportation.
True or False: The Karankawa practiced ritualistic cannibalism.
True
How was the political organization of Coahuiltecan tribes described?
Had little political organization and moved frequently for food.
What is the region associated with Plains Culture?
Great Plains, North and Central Texas.
What was the lifestyle of the Plains Culture?
Nomadic, depending on buffalo hunting.
What type of homes did the Plains Culture use?
Tipis made from buffalo hides for easy mobility.
What was the economy of the Plains Culture based on?
Traded buffalo products, horses, and weapons.
What was the social structure of the Plains Culture?
Divided into bands, led by chiefs and councils.
What skills were the Plains Culture known for?
Skilled horsemen and warriors.
Who were known as the ‘Lords of the Plains’?
Comanche.
What were the Apache known for?
Fierce warriors and skilled traders.
What type of spiritual practices did the Plains Culture engage in?
Practiced spiritual ceremonies tied to nature and animal spirits.
What is the region associated with Puebloan Culture?
West Texas, along the Rio Grande.
What was the lifestyle of the Puebloan Culture?
Sedentary, lived in permanent villages.
What type of homes did the Puebloan Culture use?
Adobe pueblos (mud-brick houses) built for protection and insulation.
What was the economy of the Puebloan Culture based on?
Farmers who grew corn, beans, and squash; traded with Plains tribes.
What was the social structure of the Puebloan Culture?
Organized into villages with a tribal council and chief.
What is a cultural characteristic of the Jumano?
Known for their distinctive striped body paint.
What agricultural practice did the Puebloan Culture utilize?
Practiced irrigation for farming.
What is significant about the Tigua community?
One of the oldest surviving Native American communities in Texas.
What is the region associated with Southeastern Culture?
East Texas, along the Red River.
What was the lifestyle of the Southeastern Culture?
Sedentary, lived in large villages.
What type of homes did the Southeastern Culture use?
Dome-shaped grass houses.
What was the economy of the Southeastern Culture based on?
Farmers who grew corn, beans, and squash; developed a trade network.
What was the social structure of the Southeastern Culture?
Organized into confederacies with a complex leadership system.
What were the Caddo known for?
Highly advanced farmers and traders.
What type of crafts did the Caddo create?
Created intricate pottery and tools.
What religious system did the Caddo develop?
Had a well-developed religious system with temple mounds.
What does the word ‘Texas’ originate from?
The Caddo word taysha, meaning ‘friend’ or ‘ally.’
Who was Alonso Álvarez de Pineda?
Spanish explorer and cartographer
First European to map the Texas coastline
What was the significance of Alonso Álvarez de Pineda’s voyage?
Confirmed that Florida was not an island and helped Spain claim the Gulf Coast region
Provided valuable geographic knowledge
Did Alonso Álvarez de Pineda establish a settlement?
No
He did not establish a settlement but provided valuable geographic knowledge
What years did Álvar Núñez Cabeza de Vaca explore Texas?
1528-1536
One of the first Europeans to explore Texas after being shipwrecked near Galveston
What did Álvar Núñez Cabeza de Vaca do while in Texas?
Lived among Native American tribes and recorded detailed accounts of their cultures
His book, La Relación, provided valuable information about Texas geography and indigenous peoples
What was Francisco Vázquez de Coronado searching for?
The mythical Seven Cities of Gold (Cibola)
Led an expedition in 1540-1542
What was the outcome of Francisco Vázquez de Coronado’s expedition?
Explored the Texas Panhandle but found no riches
His journey helped map the region and introduced the Spanish to the Plains tribes
What was Mission San Francisco de los Tejas?
First Spanish mission in East Texas
Established to convert the Caddo Indians
Why was Mission San Francisco de los Tejas abandoned?
Due to conflicts with Native Americans and disease
Marked Spain’s initial efforts to settle Texas
What was the purpose of San Antonio de Béxar?
To strengthen Spanish control in Texas
Included Mission San Antonio de Valero (The Alamo)
What role did San Antonio de Béxar play in Texas history?
Became the most important Spanish settlement in Texas and a major trade center
Founded as a mission and presidio (fort)
What was Los Adaes?
The first capital of Spanish Texas
Established to defend against French encroachment from Louisiana
What happened to Los Adaes?
Later abandoned as Spanish focus shifted to San Antonio
Served from 1721-1773
What was La Bahía, later known as Goliad?
Founded as a presidio and mission along the San Antonio River
Played a key role in Spanish defense and later in the Texas Revolution
When was Nacogdoches founded?
1779
One of the oldest towns in Texas, founded by Spanish settlers
What was the significance of Nacogdoches?
Became an important trade center between Texas and Louisiana
Founded by Spanish settlers moving away from missions
Who was René-Robert Cavelier, Sieur de La Salle?
French explorer who mistakenly landed in Texas
Searching for the Mississippi River
What did René-Robert Cavelier establish in Texas?
Fort St. Louis near Matagorda Bay
The first French settlement in Texas
What led to the failure of La Salle’s colony?
Attacks by Native Americans and disease
Increased Spain’s urgency to colonize Texas
Where is the Coastal Plains located?
Eastern and southeastern Texas, along the Gulf of Mexico
This area is characterized by its proximity to the coast and significant water bodies.
What are the physical characteristics of the Coastal Plains?
Flat to rolling terrain with fertile soil, many rivers, bays, and marshlands, humid subtropical climate with high rainfall
These features contribute to the area’s agricultural productivity.
What are the main economic activities in the Coastal Plains?
Agriculture (cotton, rice, cattle ranching), oil and gas industry, fishing, shipping, and tourism along the Gulf Coast
Major refineries are located in Houston and Corpus Christi.
Name three major cities in the Coastal Plains.
- Houston
- Dallas
- San Antonio
- Austin
- Corpus Christi
These cities are significant urban centers in the region.
Where is the North Central Plains located?
Central Texas, west of the Coastal Plains
This region serves as a transition area between the Coastal Plains and other Texas landscapes.
What are the physical characteristics of the North Central Plains?
Rolling hills, grasslands, and forests, moderate rainfall, drier than the Coastal Plains
This variation in terrain supports different types of agriculture.
What are the primary economic activities in the North Central Plains?
Cattle ranching and farming (wheat, corn, cotton), military bases, and manufacturing
The presence of military bases contributes to the regional economy.
Name three major cities in the North Central Plains.
- Fort Worth
- Abilene
- Wichita Falls
These cities are important for trade and services in the region.
Where is the Great Plains located?
Texas Panhandle and parts of central Texas
This area is known for its expansive landscapes and agricultural potential.
What are the physical characteristics of the Great Plains?
Flat, open land with few trees, semi-arid climate with hot summers and cold winters
The climate influences the types of crops that can be grown.
What are the main economic activities in the Great Plains?
Cattle ranching and agriculture (wheat, sorghum), oil and natural gas production, wind energy farms
Wind energy is a growing sector in this region.
Name three major cities in the Great Plains.
- Lubbock
- Amarillo
- Midland
- Odessa
These cities are vital for the economy and culture of the Great Plains.
Where is the Mountains and Basins located?
Far West Texas, near the Mexican border
This region is characterized by its rugged terrain and unique geography.
What are the physical characteristics of the Mountains and Basins?
Rugged mountains, desert basins, and plateaus, dry, arid climate with little rainfall
The Guadalupe Mountains and Big Bend National Park are notable features.
What are the economic activities in the Mountains and Basins?
Limited farming due to lack of water, oil and gas production, tourism in national parks and historical sites
Tourism is significant due to the natural beauty and cultural history of the area.
Name three major cities in the Mountains and Basins.
- El Paso
- Alpine
- Marfa
These cities are key hubs for culture and commerce in the region.
Where did Spanish and Mexican settlers primarily settle?
South Texas, Central Texas, and along the Rio Grande (San Antonio, Goliad, Nacogdoches)
Spanish and Mexican settlers were among the earliest groups to establish communities in Texas, focusing on areas with access to water and fertile land.
Where did Anglo-American settlers primarily settle?
East and Central Texas (Austin’s Colony, San Felipe de Austin, Washington-on-the-Brazos)
Anglo-American settlers arrived in Texas during the early 19th century, significantly impacting the region’s demographics.
Where did German immigrants primarily settle?
Hill Country and Central Texas (New Braunfels, Fredericksburg, Comfort)
German immigrants brought distinct cultural influences and agricultural practices to Texas.
Where did Irish immigrants primarily settle?
South Texas and the Gulf Coast (San Patricio, Refugio)
Irish immigrants settled in Texas during the early 19th century, often seeking refuge from economic hardship.
Where did Czech and Polish immigrants primarily settle?
Central Texas and Gulf Coast Plains (Fayetteville, Schulenburg, Panna Maria)
The Czech and Polish communities contributed to the cultural diversity of Texas through their traditions and customs.
Where did French immigrants primarily settle?
Castroville and La Réunion (near present-day Dallas)
French immigrants were part of the diverse wave of settlers that shaped early Texas communities.
What does the Texas Constitution mandate regarding education?
The state must provide free public education.
Texas Constitution, Article 7, Section 1
What does the Texas Education Code outline?
Laws and policies governing education in the state.
It includes various regulations and standards for education.
What is the role of the Texas Legislature in education?
Establishes education laws, funding, and policies.
It also determines the school finance system.
What does the Texas State Board of Education (SBOE) oversee?
Curriculum, textbooks, and graduation requirements.
It approves Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS).
What is the Permanent School Fund?
Helps finance public schools.
Managed by the Texas State Board of Education.
Who leads the Texas Education Agency (TEA)?
The Commissioner of Education, appointed by the governor.
The TEA implements education policies and manages school accountability.
What are Independent School Districts (ISDs)?
Locally governed school districts.
They are governed by a locally elected school board.
Who is the current Governor of Texas?
Greg Abbott.
What does ‘El Paso’ mean?
‘The Pass.’
What is the meaning of ‘Llano Estacado’?
‘Staked Plains.’
What does ‘San Antonio’ refer to?
Named after St. Anthony of Padua.
What is the significance of the Rio Grande?
It means ‘Big River’ and forms Texas’ southern border.
What does ‘vaquero’ mean?
Cowboy.
Fill in the blank: ‘Siesta’ refers to a _______.
Afternoon nap.
What does ‘corral’ mean?
Enclosed area for livestock.
What is the meaning of ‘mesa’?
Flat-topped hill.
What does ‘plaza’ refer to?
Public square.
True or False: ‘Adobe’ is a type of mudbrick used for building.
True.
What is ‘Amarillo’ named for?
‘Yellow,’ referencing the color of local wildflowers.
What does ‘barrio’ mean?
Neighborhood.
