Texas German History by Andrea Fabian Navarro (student)

Battle of "Hermannschlacht“ (Battle of the Teutoburg Forest), 9 AD

andreafabiannavarro2 — 2025-02-21 18:35:08 UTC

This battle halted Rome's expansion into German territories, cementing a boundary between the Roman world and Germanic tribes.

Barbarian invasions that led to the fall of Rome, 300 – 500 AD

andreafabiannavarro2 — 2025-02-21 18:36:15 UTC

Rome's decline -> Goths defeated a large Roman army at the Battle of Adrianople; Vandals moved into North Africa, built a kingdom, and ransacked the Romans; and the Huns pushed other tribes into Roman territory

Rome's internal struggles (political instability, economic troubles, and military overstretch) and the Barbarian invasions led to its downfall.

Emergence of the Frankish Empire, 771 AD

andreafabiannavarro2 — 2025-02-21 18:37:45 UTC

Charlemagne united most of Western and Central Europe and was the first recognized emperor to rule from the west after the fall of the Western Roman Empire.

Holy Roman Empire, 962 - 1806

andreafabiannavarro2 — 2025-02-21 18:39:00 UTC

Coronation of Otto the Great at the Tomb of Charlemagne and led to the start of the Holy Roman Empire.

Reformation under Luther, 1483 - 1546

andreafabiannavarro2 — 2025-02-21 18:40:36 UTC

Luther pushed for scripture and faith alone as the basis for salvation (challenging the Church's authority). He used the printing press to spread his ideals to an audience that used to be inaccessible. The general populace no longer had to rely on church leadership to access religion.

Thirty Years' War, 1618 - 1648

andreafabiannavarro2 — 2025-02-21 18:42:27 UTC

The war began as a fight over religious freedom where Protestant nobles in Bohemia rebelled against Catholic Habsburg rule, a Denmark king intervened to support Protestants' interests, a Swedish king entered the war, and the French fought against the Habsburgs to curb their reign. It ended with the Peace of Westphalia with major population decline, economic ruin, and boundary changes.

End of the Holy Roman Empire of German Nations, 1806

andreafabiannavarro2 — 2025-02-21 18:44:18 UTC

The end of the French Revolution led to the rise of Napoleon Bonaparte. Napoleon's victories and the formation of the Confederation of the Rhine undermined the Holy Roman Empire's power. It signifies the end of old feudal rule and sets the stage for German unification.

Battle of Medina, 1813

andreafabiannavarro2 — 2025-02-21 18:46:06 UTC

The Battle of Medina in 1813 was a decisive clash during the Mexican War for Independence. Spanish forces, led by General José Joaquín de Arredondo, defeated a coalition of insurgents aiming for an independent Texas, dealing a crushing blow to their rebellion.

Congress of Vienna, 1814 - 1815

andreafabiannavarro2 — 2025-02-21 18:46:43 UTC

The Congress of Vienna (1814–1815) was a diplomatic meeting where European powers redrew borders and established a balance of power to restore stability after Napoleon’s defeat.

German Confederation, 1815 - 1866

andreafabiannavarro2 — 2025-02-21 18:47:07 UTC

The German Confederation (1815–1866) was a loose alliance of 39 German states formed at the Congress of Vienna to ensure regional stability after the Napoleonic Wars. Dominated by Austria and Prussia, it eventually dissolved following the Austro-Prussian War, paving the way for German unification.

Founding of German Reich, 1871

andreafabiannavarro2 — 2025-02-21 18:48:19 UTC

In 1871, following the Franco-Prussian War, various independent German states were unified under Prussian leadership to form the German Reich, with King Wilhelm I declared as the first Emperor.

Kingdom of New Spain, 1819

andreafabiannavarro2 — 2025-02-21 18:50:27 UTC

In 1819, the Kingdom of New Spain was a vast Spanish colony covering much of modern Mexico and Central America. Revolutionary unrest had been growing since 1810, setting the stage for independence by 1821.

Mexican War for Independence, 1810 - 1827

andreafabiannavarro2 — 2025-02-21 18:54:00 UTC

The Mexican War for Independence began in 1810 when Miguel Hidalgo's call to arms sparked a rebellion against Spanish rule. After years of fighting under leaders like Morelos, Guerrero, and Iturbide, independence was achieved in 1821 with the Treaty of Córdoba, though some resistance continued until 1827.

Hambacher Fest, 1832

andreafabiannavarro2 — 2025-02-21 18:56:18 UTC

“Cradle of German democracy”, disguised as a “festival”, inspired by Republican ideals; liberalité, egalité, and fraternité, German reunification, patriotism

Frankfurter Wachensturm, 1833

andreafabiannavarro2 — 2025-02-21 18:59:14 UTC

The Frankfurter Wachensturm of 1833 was a brief, failed uprising by radical liberals in Frankfurt. They attempted to storm guard towers to spark a wider revolt, but the action was quickly suppressed.

Texas Republic, 1836 - 1846

andreafabiannavarro2 — 2025-02-23 19:28:22 UTC

Problems - debt, Great Raid of 1840 (indios bravos), possible Mexican attack

Sam Houston, 1836 - 1838 -> land grants

Mirabeau Lamar, 1838 - 1841 -> Native American removal, Father of Texas Education, expansionism, debt

Sam Houston, 1841 - 1844 -> Councils of Tehuacana Creek, financial independence, advocating for annexation

Anson Jones, 1844 - 1846 -> advocating for annexation

Fisher-Miller Land Grant, June 7, 1842

andreafabiannavarro2 — 2025-02-23 19:32:41 UTC

Henry Fisher and Burchard Miller received a colonization grant on June 7, 1842 that gave them three years to bring in 600 families.

Reichsdeputationshauptschluss (The Final Recess / Imperial Recess), 1803

andreafabiannavarro2 — 2025-02-23 19:35:03 UTC

Napoleon reduced the number of German states, leading to many unemployed German noblemen. This led to the development of Standesherren.

Nassau Plantation, 1843

andreafabiannavarro2 — 2025-02-23 19:37:15 UTC

Nassau Plantation in Texas, settled by the Boos-Waedleck family, was established in 1843 as a prominent cotton plantation. It became part of the early German settler community in Texas and, like many antebellum estates, relied on enslaved labor, reflecting the region's agricultural and social landscape at the time.

Prince Solms-Braunfels in Texas, Aug. 1844 - April 1845

andreafabiannavarro2 — 2025-02-23 19:38:16 UTC

Prince Solms-Braunfels, a German noble, arrived in Texas in August 1844 as part of the Adelsverein's effort to bring German settlers to the region. During his stay until April 1845, he surveyed and planned potential settlement areas, laying essential groundwork for future communities such as New Braunfels. However, he left after Meusebach resolved his debts.

Meusebach in Texas, 1845 - 1897

andreafabiannavarro2 — 2025-02-23 19:38:55 UTC

John O. Meusebach, a prominent German settler, arrived in Texas around 1845 and became a key leader among the German colonists. He is best known for negotiating the 1847 Meusebach-Comanche Treaty, which established peaceful relations with local Native American tribes, and for helping to establish communities like New Braunfels. His efforts significantly shaped the development and cultural landscape of Texas until his death in 1897.

Meusebach-Comanche Treaty, May 9, 1847

andreafabiannavarro2 — 2025-02-23 19:41:30 UTC

Signed on May 9, 1847, the Meusebach-Comanche Treaty was an agreement negotiated by John O. Meusebach that established peaceful relations, safe passage, and trade between German settlers in Texas and the Comanche tribe.

Lateiner Settlements, late 1840s - early 1850s

andreafabiannavarro2 — 2025-02-23 19:44:21 UTC

The Lateiner Settlements in Texas, established in the late 1840s to early 1850s, were communities founded by German colonists contributing to the region’s early agricultural and cultural development.

Free Society and German-Texan Convention, 1853 - 1854

andreafabiannavarro2 — 2025-04-22 18:28:51 UTC

Sisterdale's educated community established the Free Society and the German Texan Convention against slavery in Texas.

The Civil War, 1861 - 1865

andreafabiannavarro2 — 2025-04-22 18:36:21 UTC

States began seceding from the Union with the election of Abraham Lincoln in 1860. Texas would also secede in December 1860, removing Governor Houston in the process. About 60,000 Texans joined the Confederate army. Ultimately, the Confederacy would be defeated by the Union, leading to the reunification of both halves.

Most Germans were against secession. Notable exceptions include the citizens from Industry, New Braunfels, and Comal County.

Missouri Compromise, 1820

andreafabiannavarro2 — 2025-04-22 18:38:01 UTC

The Missouri Compromise addressed slavery by admitting Missouri as a slave state, Maine as a free state, and a line to prohibit slavery above the 36th parallel.

Kansas-Nebraska Act, 1854

andreafabiannavarro2 — 2025-04-22 18:39:40 UTC

The act created the states of Kansas and Nebraska, which effectively repealed the Missouri Compromise and led to "Bleeding Kansas".

Dred Scott v. Sanford, 1857

andreafabiannavarro2 — 2025-04-22 18:41:09 UTC

The case ruled that enslaved people were not citizens and could not sue in federal court. Additionally, it established that Congress did not have the power to ban slavery.

Battle of the Nueces, August 10, 1862

andreafabiannavarro2 — 2025-04-22 18:44:27 UTC

German Unionists were ambushed by a Confederate cavalry. Some escaped to Mexico, but many were killed by execution. This event led to increased tensions between German Texans and Confederate authorities.

The Reconstruction Era, 1865 - 1877

andreafabiannavarro2 — 2025-04-22 18:53:15 UTC

The policies during this era focused on integrating former Confederates and newly freed African Americans and rebuilding the country.

President Andrew Johnson & A.J. Hamilton - abolish slavery and nullify secession

J.W Throckmorton and Black Codes - restrict freedpeople's rights

E.J. Davis - public schools enrolled Black students, and arrests were made against the Klan

William Thielepape Elected, November 8, 1867

andreafabiannavarro2 — 2025-04-22 18:56:28 UTC

A German resident was elected to be the mayor of San Antonio, representing the immense influence Germans had on the city.

The Gilded Era, late 1870s to early 1900s

andreafabiannavarro2 — 2025-04-22 19:04:01 UTC

This period was marked by rapid industrialization, economic growth, social inequality, and political corruption. Specifically in Texas, five railroads made San Antonio a transportation hub.

The Texas Constitution of 1876

andreafabiannavarro2 — 2025-04-22 19:05:59 UTC

With the Constitution of 1876, the local option clause was integrated, offering towns the choice to remain wet or become dry.

The Prohibition Era, 1920 - 1933

andreafabiannavarro2 — 2025-04-22 19:07:14 UTC

The production, importation, transportation, and sale of alcoholic beverages were outlawed in the US.

German Americans felt great tension with temperance groups as they argued that alcohol stood for their liberty and health.

World War I, 1914 - 1918

andreafabiannavarro2 — 2025-04-22 19:10:26 UTC

WWI was a global conflict between the Allied Powers (Britain, France, Russia, Italy, Japan, and the US) and the Central Powers (Germany, Austria-Hungary, and the Ottoman Empire). Many new weapons were introduced by this war, leading to a significant number of casualties. Old nations collapsed, and new nations emerged with new boundaries. The Treaty of Versailles ended the war.

Repeal of Texas' Dry Law, 1935

andreafabiannavarro2 — 2025-04-22 19:14:57 UTC

Texas voters repealed the state's dry law, and prohibition became a local issue again.

The Great Depression, 1929 - 1939

andreafabiannavarro2 — 2025-04-22 19:18:46 UTC

The Stock Market Crash of 1929 marked the beginning of the Great Depression, a significant economic downturn. The banking system was incredibly unstable, and economic inequality greatly weakened the strength of the US economy. Unemployment greatly increased, production fell, and many banks failed. Poverty and homelessness became more common.

World War II, 1939 - 1945

andreafabiannavarro2 — 2025-04-22 19:22:13 UTC

A global conflict between the Axis powers (Germany, Italy, and Japan) and the Allied powers (France, Britain, the US, the Soviet Union, and China) started in 1939 and lasted until 1945. Major events include the invasion of Poland, the Battle of Britain, the attack on Pearl Harbor, and the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. The end of the war led to the establishment of the United Nations and the Cold War.

Friedrich Ernst First Arrived at Texas, 1831

andreafabiannavarro2 — 2025-05-01 16:39:22 UTC

Friedrich Ernst and his family were the first of the Germans to land in Texas. Ernst obtained a league of land on the west bank of the west fork of Mill Creek in Austin's colony. Ernst is known as the "Father of German Immigration to Texas," for his letters of the Texas frontier inspired many others to do the same.

Texas Revolution, 1835 to 1836

andreafabiannavarro2 — 2025-05-01 16:46:31 UTC

The Texas Revolution was a conflict between the Anglo-American settlers and the Mexican government. It resulted in the creation and independence of the Texas Republic. Key events include the Battle of Gonzales, the Alamo siege, the Goliad Massacre, and the decisive Battle of San Jacinto.

Adelsverein Created, 1842

andreafabiannavarro2 — 2025-05-01 16:49:23 UTC

The Adelsverein, or Society for the Protection of German Immigrants in Texas, was created in 1842 by 21 German noblemen to promote mass emigration of German immigrants to Texas. Their aim was to establish a new Germany in Texas, providing opportunities for German settlers and fostering German values.

Texas Annexation, Dec. 29, 1845

andreafabiannavarro2 — 2025-05-01 16:56:55 UTC

The Republic of Texas was annexed into the United States as the 28th state on December 29, 1845.

Texas German Dialect Project, 2001

andreafabiannavarro2 — 2025-05-01 17:03:23 UTC

The Texas German Dialect Project emerged as an effort to record and preserve the Texas German dialect. It also gathers information of linguistic diversity and improves on educational programs.

The German Free School of Austin, 1857

andreafabiannavarro2 — 2025-05-01 17:08:59 UTC

The German Free School Association of Austin became the first Austin school chartered by the Texas legislature, for the "education of the youth, the promotion of useful knowledge, and the advancement of the sciences."

James Throckmorton elected as Governor, June 25, 1866

andreafabiannavarro2 — 2025-05-01 17:25:52 UTC

He advocated for land grants and the construction of a railroad network in Texas. He was incredibly lenient to former Confederates and implemented the Black Codes, severely restricting the rights of African Americans.

The Second Ku Klux Klan, 1920s

andreafabiannavarro2 — 2025-05-01 17:28:41 UTC

This “second” Klan could easily be as violent as its Reconstruction Era ancestor, but it was more fraternal and social, though its brand of socializing was restricted to native-born, Protestant whites. It supported the recently enacted national prohibition on alcoholic beverages and opposed labor unions, immigration, and foreign entanglements such as the League of Nations.

Austin Colony, 1821 - 1836

andreafabiannavarro2 — 2025-05-01 17:34:37 UTC

Austin's Colony was the first legal settlement of North American families in Mexican-owned Texas.

The Holocaust, 1941 - 1945

andreafabiannavarro2 — 2025-05-01 17:58:29 UTC

The Holocaust was the systematic genocide of European Jews and other minority non-Jewish group by Nazi Germany and its collaborators during World War II. Between 1941 and 1945, approximately six million Jews were murdered in extermination camps through mass shootings and poison gas.

The Cold War, 1947 - 1991

andreafabiannavarro2 — 2025-05-01 18:02:22 UTC

The Cold War marked a period of geopolitical tension between the US and the Soviet Union and their respective allies. It's characterized by ideological conflict, the threat of nuclear war, and proxy conflicts. Key events include the Berlin Wall, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, and the dissolution of the Soviet Union.

Later Immigration of Mennonites to Texas, 1970s

andreafabiannavarro2 — 2025-05-01 18:09:10 UTC

Many Old Colony Mennonites from Mexico who previously migrated from Canada and Russia, began settling in West Texas.

The Crystal City Internment Camp, Dec. 1942 - Feb. 1948

andreafabiannavarro2 — 2025-05-01 18:13:07 UTC

The Crystal City Internment Camp housed German, Japanese, and Italian families during the course of WWII. It was then used to hold prisoners of war.

Wurstfest was Founded, 1961

andreafabiannavarro2 — 2025-05-01 18:16:48 UTC

Wurstfest was founded by Ed Grist, a local veterinarian and city meat inspector. Now, it is a major celebration of German heritage in New Braunfels, significantly boosting the local economy each festival.

Oktoberfest was Founded, 1981

andreafabiannavarro2 — 2025-05-01 18:18:17 UTC

Similar to Wurstfest, Oktoberfest is a major celebration of German heritage, held each year in Fredericksburg.

The German-Texan Heritage Society was Founded, 1978

andreafabiannavarro2 — 2025-05-01 18:20:55 UTC

The German-Texan Heritage Society is a nonprofit organization headquartered in Austin, Texas dedicated to preserving the cultural heritage of German Texans and promoting German culture throughout the state.

Color Key

andreafabiannavarro2 — 2025-05-01 18:31:28 UTC

RED - major conflicts

BLUE - countries, alliances, nation-states, settlements, etc.

GREEN - political, religious, economic, and social movements

Not all events are labeled with a specific category.