Texas Revolution
Central Historical Question:
Why did Texans revolt against the Mexican Government
Spanish Texas (1689-1821)
- Texas became part of New Spain in 1519
- By 1800 there were fewer than 800 SPanish residents in the territory
- 1824 - After a 10 year war, Mexico gains independence
- Mexico rejected all offers to buy Texas during the 1820s and 1830s
- Mexico encouraged American immigration.
- Why would they do that?
Why did Mexico encourage American immigration?
- Stem French encroachment ( rather have Americans that the French)
- Put down Native American hostility
- Help develop the economy
- Prevent illegal US encroachment as these immigrant had to adhere to certain requirements
Mexican Texas (1821-1836)
Texian requirements
- Convert to Catholicism
- Learn Spanish
- Take Mexican Citizenship
- No slaves
- The “Old 300” were the first official founding families led by Stephen Austin in 1824
- Most were wealthier and literate and 69 of the families owned slaves ( 1/4 of the total old 300 settlers )
- This was the beginning of antebellum Texas slavery
- Families received between 177 acres and up to 4428 acres for ranching
The question of slavery
- Cotton became a big part of the new economy
- Many Mexicans opposed slavery
- The Mexican government made several attempts to outlaw slavery but Texians challenged the laws or simply ignored them.
Revolt
- The first conflict took place on October 2nd in a small town called Gonzalez.
- A Mexican soldier tried to confiscate a cannon given to the town to defend against Native American attacks. - 2 Mexican soldiers died.
- This built momentum for a revolution against the Mexican government
The Alamo
- This battle takes place beginning February 23, 1836.
- 200 volunteers hold off the Mexican army of about 2000 for 13 days
- “Remember the Alamo” becomes the motto for the resistance against Mexico and a reason to fight.
Independence
- Over the next 6 months, Texans battled the Mexican army and won independence after defeating General Santa Anna at the Battle of San Jacinto.
- Texas is now an Independent Republic.
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Republic of Texas (1836-45)
Annexation Debate
- Many Texans hoped the United States would admit Texas to the Union as a state.
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- It was not until the election of Polk in 1844 _________ ________________________________________________________
James K. Polk
- Hard working and accessible
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- Settled controversy over Oregon Territory (54 40 or fight) settled at the 49th parallel
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- Lower Tariffs on imports