Texas in World War I

Introduction

• World War I was a defining event of the 20th century.
• Transformational for the United States and Texas.
• Texas began integrating fully into the US during this period.

Texas Before WWI

• Unique history and culture: Spanish colony, Mexican traditions.
• Independent nation before joining the US.
• Distinct economic activities and law enforcement, e.g., ranching and Texas Rangers.
• High crime rates and unique natural disasters (e.g., Galbaston hurricane).

Texas's Mentality

• Insistence on keeping public lands when joining the US.
• Thinking of themselves as Texans first, even after the Civil War.
• History of independent actions on the US-Mexico border.

Impact of WWI on Texas

• Culturally and emotionally integrated Texas into the American national experience.

World War I Overview

• First industrial war starting in 1914.
• Mass-produced weapons, machine guns, hydraulic artillery, etc.
• High casualty rates.
• Destruction in places like France (Western Front, French killing fields).

Causes of World War I

• Conflict between Austria-Hungary and Serbia over the Balkans.
• Assassination of Franz Ferdinand.
• European alliances escalated the conflict.

US Involvement

• Initially neutral, sold materials to warring parties.
• Declared war due to unrestricted submarine warfare by Germany and the Zimmerman telegram.

Zimmerman Telegram

• Proposed alliance between Germany and Mexico against the US.
• Promised Mexican recovery of lost territories.
• Intercepted by Britain, led US to declare war.

Border Conflict with Mexico

• Ongoing since the late 1800s, exacerbated by Mexican Revolution (1910).
• Plan of San Diego: a troubling document calling for uprisings.
• Tensions between Anglos and Hispanics, violent reactions by Texas Rangers.

Aftermath and Texas's Role in WWI

• US required new military bases, airfields, shipyards.
• Texas played a significant role in US military preparations and infrastructure.

Conclusion

• Texas's involvement in WWI marked a shift in its integration into the broader US cultural and national experience.