TEXAS REVOLUTION DISCUSSION

A. Spanish Settlements in the Southwest

• Early 1700s: Spain's colony in Mexico thriving

• Northern territories (including Texas) sparsely populated

• Spanish government's goal: Secure claims in the Southwest

Types of Spanish Settlements

• Missions: Religious settlements where priests taught Native Americans about Christianity and Spanish culture. Native Americans also grew crops for themselves and the priests.

• Presidios: Forts built to protect missions from attacks. Soldiers stationed at presidios defended the priests and locals.

• Towns (Pueblos): Settlements where Spanish citizens lived, grew crops, and raised cattle. Each settlement had to be self-sufficient.

The Rise of Mexican Independence

• In the early 1800s, Mexicans sought to overthrow Spanish rule.

• In September 1810, Father Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla led a rebellion with approximately 80,000 poor Indians and mestizos.

• Although Hidalgo's revolt failed, it sparked a larger movement. By 1821, Mexico gained independence and adopted a republican constitution.

Settlers in Texas

• The new Mexican government contracted with empresarios to bring settlers to Texas, rewarding them with land.

• Stephen F. Austin started a Texas colony in 1821 with the first 300 families known as the Old Three Hundred.

• Texians (mostly Anglo-American settlers) and Tejanos (Mexican residents) began to form distinct communities in Texas.

Tensions Rise

• Texians were required to follow Mexican laws, but many ignored them, particularly regarding slavery.

• In 1830, Mexico banned further American settlement due to concerns over control.

• Under General Antonio Lopez De Santa Anna, who suspended the republican constitution, Texans felt their rights were threatened and began to rally for independence.