Title

Agency of Mexican/Tejano Union Recruits during the United States Civil War: An Archival Case Study of Private Pedro Garcia

Author

Andy Najera, The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley

Date of Award

5-2021

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Arts (MA)

Department

History

First Advisor

Dr. Charles Waite

Second Advisor

Dr. Christopher Miller

Third Advisor

Dr. George T. Díaz

Abstract

During the United States Civil War, a Mexican national, Pedro Garcia, and hundreds ofothers like him came to Brownsville, Texas, looking for ways to strengthen their positions byjoining the Union army. Eventually, the Mexican/Tejano recruits deserted in droves while theUnion forces executed Pedro Garcia. The purpose of this research is to provide insight into thecultural clash of world views between the United States Union army and Rio GrandeBorderlanders. This research will also provide awareness of the various methods theMexican/Tejano used to create agency. This study uses a mixed methodology, such as Bordertheory as described by Oscar Martínez, Chela Sandoval, and Lisa Flores. This study will usevarious archival research methods, to analyze and evaluate primary source documents. Previousresearch has focused on why the Mexican/Tejano failed as soldiers in the Union army; however,this study found that the Mexican/Tejano recruits used well-established devices to securesurvival and power for themselves.

Comments

Copyright 2021 Andy Najera. All Rights Reserved.

https://www.proquest.com/dissertations-theses/agency-mexican-tejano-union-recruits-during/docview/2560019775/se-2?accountid=7119

Recommended Citation

Najera, Andy, "Agency of Mexican/Tejano Union Recruits during the United States Civil War: An Archival Case Study of Private Pedro Garcia" (2021). Theses and Dissertations. 3.
https://scholarworks.utrgv.edu/etd/3