"Heroes Hispanoes: Part I" looks at the courageous military heroes of Hispanic background who fought for America, from the Revolutionary War through World War I. This program is appropriate for elementary through high school age levels.Discussion Questions
Research Projects
- What areas comprised the Spanish territory in North America the 1770's ? How had this changed by the 1890's?
- Who was Bernardo de Galvez? How did he contribute to the American Revolution? What were some of the difficulties de Galvez encountered during the Battle of Pensacola? What entitled him to use the motto, "Yo Solo?"
- Who was David Farragut? When and why did he give the command, "Damn the torpedoes! Full speed ahead!"
- What was the "Gettysburg of the West?" Who comprised the New Mexico Militia? What might have happened if the Confederates had not been defeated at Glorietta?
- What did "Remember the Maine!" signify ? What did people believe happened to the U.S.S. Maine in 1898 ? What do historians believe today?
- Who were the Rough Riders? Who was their leader? Name one important Hispanic Rough Rider and explain his accomplishments.
- Why did David Barkely Cantu keep his heritage a secret? What did he do to earn the Congressional Medal of Honor? When did America acknowledge his Hispanic roots? Where does his body lie today?
Heroes Hispanoes :Part I (March 24) *Part II (March 25)*Part III (March 26) Classroom activities for programs marked with an asterisk (*) can be found on our website: http://www.historychannel.com
- Draw or trace a map of North America. Indicate areas belonging to Spain in 1776 with a red marker. Indicate areas belonging to Spain in 1850 with a blue marker. Indicate areas belonging to Spain in 1890 with a yellow marker. Remember to include a key to your colors in a corner of the map.
- What if the Confederates had won the Battle of Glorietta? Write a short essay or an outline showing how this might have effected the outcome of the Civil War.
- Imagine that you are David Barkely Cantu. Write a letter home to the Barkely Cantu family, explaining why you want to keep your heritage a secret. Can you be proud of your heritage and still keep it a secret? Did Cantu believe that he had a choice if he wanted to serve in combat?
