Theses and Dissertations
Date of Award
12-2017
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Arts (MA)
Department
History
First Advisor
Dr. Tamer Balci
Second Advisor
Dr. Linda English
Third Advisor
Dr. Jamie Starling
Abstract
Building a History is a case study that seeks to examine Texas mytho-history, and the subsequent historical memory it engenders, from the perspective of Nationalism. Specifically, this paper addresses two periods in Texas’ historical past—beginning with the period of Anglo colonialization of Texas and the subsequent rebellion against Mexican authority, (1820–1836), and transitioning to the progressive era, (1890–1936).
This thesis demonstrates that during progressive era, Anglo-Texans began manufacturing an alternative historical narrative that blended Judeo-Christian and Puritan mytho-symbolism with Euro-centric notions of socio-political and ethnic superiority. This process of manufacturing and legitimizing historical myth in Texas reveals a characteristic similarity to methods of nation-building and the theories of constructivist scholars of nationalism—signifying that the study of nationalism has applications that extend beyond the traditional nation/state.
Recommended Citation
Carter, Gregg L., "Building a History: A Case Study of Manufactured History in Texas" (2017). Theses and Dissertations. 255.
https://scholarworks.utrgv.edu/etd/255
Comments
Copyright 2017 Gregg L. Carter. All Rights Reserved.
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