Political Identity
When writing the new Constitution of 1876, the framers' goal was to limit the power of the state government. They started the new Constitution with a Bill of Rights that included a list of citizens' rights that must always be protected.
Economic Identity
After the war, many Texans returned to growing crops on a small family farm. The demand for cotton had decreased, but wheat and corn became important crops. Farmers also began raising livestock such as cattle and pigs that were traded for food. During Reconstruction, ranching and the cattle industry became a key piece of Texas's economic identity.