Tejanos and Cotton Trade in Civil War

The video explores the unique experience of the Rio Grande Valley during the American Civil War, focusing on the cotton trade's critical role in the Confederate economy. It highlights the overlooked contributions of Tejanos, the strategic importance of the port of Baghdad, and the impact of the Union blockade. The narrative also delves into the legacy of Colonel Santos Benavides and the significance of the Mifflin Kenedy Warehouse, illustrating early globalization and the region's integration into the global economy.

What was the primary reason the period of the Civil War was referred to as the 'cotton time' in the Rio Grande Valley?

• The influence of cotton on local culture

• The importance of cotton to the Confederate economy

• The lack of other crops

• The abundance of cotton plantations

How did the town of Baghdad contribute to the Confederate economy during the Civil War?

• By hosting peace negotiations

• By being a major cotton trading port

• By serving as a military base

• By producing weapons

Approximately how much was the value of goods transported through Baghdad during the Civil War in today's terms?

• 2.95 billion dollars

• 10 billion dollars

• 1 billion dollars

• 500 million dollars

What role did Tejanos play in the Civil War?

• They were neutral and did not participate

• They primarily supported the Union

• They served in both Confederate and Union armies

• They only supported the Confederacy

Why was the Rio Grande Valley strategically important during the Civil War?

• It was a major battleground

• It was a key route for cotton trade

• It was the location of the Confederate capital

• It was a Union stronghold

What was the main challenge faced by the Confederacy due to the Union blockade?

• Loss of territory

• Lack of military personnel

• Shortage of food supplies

• Inability to trade cotton

How did the port of Baghdad help the Confederacy during the Union blockade?

• By serving as a diplomatic center

• By providing military reinforcements

• By allowing cotton to be traded internationally

• By producing essential goods

Who was Colonel Santos Benavides and what was his significance?

• A politician who opposed the Civil War

• A Tejano leader who served in the Confederate Army

• A Confederate leader who facilitated cotton trade

• A Union general who led the blockade

What was the Mifflin Kenedy Warehouse's role during the cotton times?

• A Confederate government building

• A Union prison camp

• A hub for cotton trade and mercantile activities

• A military storage facility

How did the cotton times impact the architecture in the Rio Grande Valley?

• It caused the destruction of historical buildings

• It resulted in the building of significant trade-related structures

• It led to the construction of military forts

• It had no impact on architecture