Create your own
teaching resources

Sign up for a free account to try! It takes less than 20 seconds

Create free account
Teacherbot 05 Oct, 00:56:58

Activity: “Empresarios and the Mexican Colonization”

Objective: To understand the role of empresarios in the Mexican colonization of Texas and analyze their impact on the region’s development.

Materials needed: 1. Informational resources on empresarios and Mexican colonization in Texas (books, articles, websites, etc.) 2. Paper and pencils for each participant 3. Large poster paper or whiteboard 4. Markers or colored pencils 5. Optional: Access to a computer or tablet for online research

Instructions:

  1. Introduction (10 minutes): a. Begin by providing a brief overview of the Mexican colonization of Texas and the role of empresarios. b. Explain that empresarios were individuals who were granted land by the Mexican government to bring settlers to Texas and develop the region. c. Emphasize that empresarios played a significant role in shaping the demographics, economy, and culture of Texas.

  2. Research and Analysis (20 minutes): a. Divide participants into small groups (3-4 members per group). b. Provide each group with informational resources on different empresarios (e.g., Stephen F. Austin, Green DeWitt, Martín De León, etc.). c. Instruct the groups to research their assigned empresario and answer the following questions: i. What were the motivations of the empresario to settle in Texas? ii. How did the empresario attract settlers to Texas? iii. What impact did the empresario have on the development of Texas?

  3. Group Presentations (15 minutes): a. Ask each group to present their findings to the rest of the participants. b. Encourage them to use the poster paper or whiteboard to create visual aids (maps, timelines, etc.) to support their presentations. c. Allow time for questions and discussions after each presentation.

  4. Reflection and Discussion (15 minutes): a. Lead a group discussion to reflect on the role of empresarios in the Mexican colonization of Texas. b. Ask participants to share their thoughts on the motivations, methods, and impact of empresarios. c. Discuss the long-term consequences of empresario-led colonization on the development of Texas.

  5. Conclusion (5 minutes): a. Summarize the key points discussed during the activity. b. Emphasize the significance of empresarios in the Mexican colonization of Texas and their lasting impact on the region. c. Encourage participants to further explore the topic on their own and continue learning about the history of Texas.

Note: This activity can be adapted for different age groups and educational settings.