Native Americans, Mexican Tejanos, Anglo-Americans, and Mexicans perceived themselves in two ways in the early 1800s. The first perspective each of the said groups had about themselves was traditional/cultural in nature. They defined themselves through their rituals, languages, and way of life. However, due to the fact that they became mixed with other tribes and cultures, they also developed a perception of themselves that was woven into how other people viewed them. This discussion will prove that identities are fluid in an area with no strong political dominion powerful enough to force identity and allegiance.
Benson explains that Texas was initially part of Mexico and Spain. Thus, the majority of the people living in that specific area were Mexicans. However, between 1820 and 1834, historical events such as the fight to shift the border and have Texas as part of the US led to the confusion of cultures. Benson argues that the Mexicans not only viewed Texas as Mexican land, but they also wanted to incorporate their culture on all other people living in the area at that time. However, Mexico’s attention on Texas only began in 1821 even though it was part of the Spanish dynasty. The main reason for the interest was the sudden influx of Caucasians and black Americans, who were mainly slaves, into the region.
Resendez also analyzes the issue of national identity in the Texas and New Mexico border war, explaining that historically, people believed that the formation of nations and borders was done using a core-outward and top-bottom approach. The author agrees that even though the state has been given the leading role, nations and identities can only be analyzed from a bottom-up approach. This argument can be used to understand the culture of Texas from 1821 to date. Delay explains that in 1845, both the US and Mexico were willing to go to war over Texas. Native American Indians were at the center of the border war. The Indians had to fight both countries to keep their ancestral home. Importantly, before the war, all these cultures had a fluid identity.
The treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo gave Texas to the US and realigned the boundaries. At this point, all the cultures that were living in Texas were forced to identify as US citizens. These communities were made to accept an allegiance. One might argue that it was easier for Native and Anglo-Americans to adopt the American allegiances than the Mexicans and Mexican Tejanos. Overall, these communities had to struggle to keep their own identities, especially after the border shift.