Studies Weekly - Unit 1, Week 4 - Settlement of Texas

The building of ​railroads resulted in the birth of many towns and the​ ​ (a)   of towns in West Texas.

• growth
• decline
• stagnation (staying the same)

Early settlements were located close to natural resources because _______________.

• the land was cheaper

• the climate was very mild

• they provided basic needs

• wildlife avoided these areas

Read the passage from this week's Studies Weekly.

Railroads allowed people and goods to move through the state faster than ever before.

It also increased settlement in West Texas. Before railroads, this area was largely out of reach of wagons and steamboats.

"Technology Changes Texas"

Based on this passage, what conclusion can you make?

• Railroads only shipped cattle.

• Settlements owned the railroads.

• Settlements did not use the railroads.

• Railroads helped settlements form quickly.

Read the following statement:

“Natural resources played a significant role in the early success of Texas settlements.”

Which fact is best supported by this statement?

• Spain claimed all of present-day Texas.

• American settlers moved to cities to raise livestock.

• Many Irish immigrants took part in the Texas Revolution.

• A colony was often more successful if it was located near natural resources.

Read the passage from this week’s Studies Weekly.

In 1690, Spain sent missionaries to Texas. The missionaries' goal was to convert people to Christianity. Spain also wanted missionaries to control the land. Spain sent soldiers to build forts, called presidios,

to protect the missions and the colonists.

“Early Texas Settlements”

The word “presidio” means ___________.

• fort

• school

• mission

• trading post

Read the passage from this week’s Studies Weekly.

Between 1825 and 1831, Austin encouraged about 1,700 more families to

settle in Texas. Other empresarios established colonies throughout

southern and eastern Texas. Cities such as Victoria, Nacogdoches, and

Gonzales were established by empresarios.

“American Settlers Flock to Texas”

The word “empresario” means _______________.

• trader between Texas and Europe

• someone who encourages immigration and settlement

• soldier who fought in the Texas Revolution

• negotiator between settlers and American Indians

What can be inferred about the introduction of railroads and automobiles in Texas?

• They were invented at the same time.

• They made life more difficult for Texans.

• They directly influenced where people settled.

• They slowed the shipment of goods and people.