History of the Southwest
Texas secedes from the Union
Back in the 1860's Texas seceded from, or left, the United States. This all happened around the time of the Civil War and those in Texas did not want to lose their slaves. Texas did not rejoin the Union until 1865. The state could not have representatives in the government again until 1870.
Mexican-American War
This armed combat took place between 1846 and 1848. Mexico was angry that the United States annexed Texas, which it considered to be a part of its territory. In the end the United States won, and Mexico lost over half of its territory.
Dust bowl
In the 1930's, the Southwest was struck by a series of massive dust storms. The decade long drought impacted the food production in the region and forced many people to move away.