Statehood at Last 1910-1915

Here’s What We’re Learning How NM’s state constitution was written. What the constitution guarantees. Who were chosen as our first state officials. How NM tried to promote itself as a full member of the US. How Homesteaders attempted to create ne farms. How some New Mexicans felt the sting of racism in direct and indirect ways.

The State Constitution of 1910 Enabling Act of 1910 required NM to write a constitution. Why didn’t it happen earlier? – Write these reasons down as we discuss. “Safe and Sane” – Why? Constitutional Convention held in Santa Fe

The Constitutional Convention of 1910 100 delegates from every county in the territory. 71 Republicans, 28 Democrats, 1 Socialist. 35 Spanish speakers, so talks were in English and Spanish. All White or Hispanic men– who got left out?

Solomon Luna Most powerful delegate at the convention. Well respected Republican, even at the national level. Chair of the Committee on Committees. Influenced the writing of the constitution (like a boss).

Constitution Details Luna made sure it was very protective of Hispanic rights. Article 7, Section 3 – right of every citizen to vote regardless of “religion, race, language, or color. Article 12, Section 10 – “children of Spanish decent” would never be denied admission to public schools – no Spanish segregation. These are the “ironclad clauses” – What does this mean?

More Constitutional Details No mention of women’s suffrage (voting rights) or prohibition – Why? Constitution approved by a vast majority of New Mexicans. Congress approved in August 1911. President Taft signed on January 6, 1912. YAY, ‘MERICA!!!!!

First State Leaders Republican George Curry and Democrat Harvey Fergusson were the first two Congressmen. Welcomed with “generous applause” but had to sit in the last row  George Curry Harvey Fergusson

William C. McDonald First elected governor of New Mexico. Thought of as the ideal governor- Why? Public Education is NM’s “first concern”. Is this true today? “The past is history, the present is the dawn of the future. It is to the future we look and that future will be what we make it.”

Improving New Mexico’s State Image Now that NM became a state, leaders wished to advance politically and economically. Early movies like Indian Day School (1898) and A Pueblo Legend (1912) portrayed NM – was is accurate? Movies helped bring new business to the state.

Improving Image: Panama-California Expo 1915-1916 Celebrated the opening of the Panama Canal; NM was invited to the party. NM’s exhibit portrayed Spanish and Native cultures – people all over now knew about NM.

The Painted Desert Exhibit Navajo, Apache, and at least 5 pueblos. A “living exhibit” to foster understanding of Native American culture. Mixed results – Why did some not respect the cultures shown? NM won “best state exhibit” nonetheless.

Homesteading Many families moved because of available land and good publicity. Homesteaders had to “prove up” – what does this mean? Difficult life: little wood, little rain, frequent dust storms, insect invasions. Many failed to “prove up” and left – Whites and African Americans both struggled.

Blackdom: SE NM Homestead Many blacks came to NM to escape prejudice. All Black community founded in 1901 by Francis Marion Boyer. Over 300 residents, but all gone by 1929 – Why?

Racism in NM Jack Johnson vs. Jim Flynn on July 4, 1912 – Why is this significant? Albuquerque High School graduation – what happened?

Conclusion New Mexico wrote a “safe and sane” constitution. Elected first governor, and senators. Attracted visitors and homesteaders by promoting the state. But NM had droughts and human failings like racism.