Question

in the aftermath of the mexican - american war many mexican - held lands were lost to anglos by direct violence against the mexican landholders, through u.s. courts not recognizing the spanish - granted deeds of mexican landholder, and debt. still, according to our text, there was \another new challenge\ that also prompted the loss of mexican landholdings. what was it?
a mexican landholders lost their holdings due to \juan crow\ laws.
b agricultural devastations brought on by the mid - 1800s new world screwworm (nws) myiasis infestation.
c mexican landholders could not pay their property taxes.
d mexican landholders were bought out by texas cattlemen who used intimidation tactics to force them to sell.

Explanation:

After the Mexican - American War, Mexican landholders faced various challenges. "Juan Crow" laws (similar to Jim Crow laws but targeting Mexicans) were a significant discriminatory factor. These laws restricted the rights and economic stability of Mexican landholders, contributing to the loss of their landholdings. Option B's agricultural infestation is not a commonly cited major factor in this context. Option C, while debt (which could include inability to pay taxes) was a factor, the "Juan Crow" laws were a more systemic and new challenge. Option D's intimidation by cattlemen was more of a local or specific - interest group action compared to the widespread legal discrimination of "Juan Crow" laws.

Answer:

A. Mexican landholders lost their holdings due to "Juan Crow" laws.