Chapter 7 Section 3 The Great Plains and the Southwest Great Plains • The vast grassland that lies between the Mississippi River and the Rocky Mountains – Dry – Treeless – Desert like Nomadic • People that continually migrate rather than staying in one location – Many of the Indian tribes living in the Great Plains were nomadic Presidio • Spanish forts – Built a network of these forts along the California coast line Texas Wars for Independence • Independent minded settlers (mostly American) in Texas clashed with Mexican troops • Wanted to make Texas an independent nation – Maybe even a U.S. state some day Battle of the Alamo • 13 day battle • Fewer than 200 Texans vs. 4,000 Mexicans • Mexicans win • “Remember the Alamo become a rallying cry for Texan independence How did horses and traders change the way of life of the plains Indians? • Allowed many natives to adopt a nomadic lifestyle • Helped in trade • Transportation • Warfare • Hunting Why was Spain unable to establish firm control over northern Mexico? • Native Americans in the area rebelled against Spanish rule • European nations were attempting to take control of Spanish territory in America • Strong economic influence of the United States Why did people in New Mexico trade more with the United States than with the rest of Mexico? • High quality and low • Santa Fe trail allowed price of American goods for easy trade with the Americans What events triggered the Texas War for Independence? • Mexican laws opposing American immigration and import of slaves • Americans in Texas wanted the same political right they had in the U.S. • Mexican leader Santa Anna moved away from democratic rule • Texas wanted to rule itself, Santa Anna would not allow it How did the Texas War for Independence end? • Texans surprised Santa Anna’s forces at the San Jacinto River • Mexicans routed in minutes • Santa Anna captured • Treaty of Velasco recognized the Republic of Texas Why do you think the Madan chose not to adopt the nomadic way of life? • They enjoyed being middlemen in the fur trade • The horse did not have a great impact on their culture Name 2 effects of increased trade between the United States and northern Mexico. • Santa Fe trail linked countries economically and culturally • Strong commercial ties gave Americans significant influence