Racial References in the Texas Press, 1813–1836

Abstract

This examination of the 124 surviving issues of 10 English-language Texas newspapers published in the 1813–1836 period suggests that—contrary to some historical accounts—issues of race and cultural differences did not play much role in the oncoming 1835–1836 Texas war of independence from Mexico. English-language newspaper references to Mexico and Mexicans are favorable or neutral until 1834, when there was a shift in tone, often in articles written elsewhere and reprinted in Texas newspapers.