By Ann Friou
University News Service
August 11, 2010

This year, Mexico celebrates the 200th anniversary of its 1810 independence from Spain and the 100th anniversary of its 1910 revolution--events that have influenced demographics, politics and economics on both sides of the border.

The continuing impact of these wars on Texas and Mexico’s shared heritage will be the topic of a symposium 9:30 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 11, at Texas State University-San Marcos. The symposium, featuring historians from Texas and Mexico, will be held in the LBJ Student Center Teaching Theater. It is free and open to the public.

Titled “Mexico’s Wars in Texas: Independence and Revolution,” the symposium will feature these speakers and topics:

• Josefina Zoraida Vázquez, El Colegio de México, “Mexico’s War for Independence and Revolution of 1910 in U.S.-Mexican Relations”
• Jesús F. de la Teja, Texas State University-San Marcos, “The Mexican War of Independence: Training Ground of Tejano Leaders”
• Martín González de la Vara, El Colegio de Michoacán, “American Influence in the Mexican Insurgency in the Northern Frontier”
• Miguel Angel González Quiroga, Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo Leon, “The Consul General and the Revolution: Philip Hanna in Monterrey (1910-1919)”
• John Mason Hart, University of Houston, “Border Culture and the Mexican Revolution”
   

The symposium is sponsored by Texas State’s Texas and Mexico 1810-2010 Committee, Office of the Provost, and the Department of History. More information is available from www.txstate.edu/history/mexico2010.