1. Texas and its Independence

2. Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, Colorado, Nevada and California were all part of New Spain in the early 1830’s

3. Missions were the center of life in these regions (protected by presidios)
Each mission was located one day’s ride from each other
In some areas, Indians and Spanish settlers got along, but in many they did not
In southern Texas, Tejanos developed new breeds of cattle and ranching methods – still had to worry about Indians

4. Rebellion
1810 Mestizos and Indians rebelled against the government of New Spain
Led by Father Miguel Hidalgo, many reforms took place
Abolishing slavery
Ending unfair taxes on Indians
By 1821 Mexico declares itself
an independent country from Spain
Texas
The fighting chased away many of the Tejanos in Texas and the Mexican government was afraid that with so few people, it would be hard to defend from Indians or invasion – wanted to recruit settlers
What was happening in the United States in 1821?

5. Settlement of Texas
Moses Austin, an empresarios, (brought people to Texas) started the idea of bringing people to Texas, his son Stephen Austin continued upon his fathers death
Empresarios received up to 67,000 acres (104 ½ sq. miles) for every 200 families recruited to Texas
Had to become Mexican citizens
Obey Mexican laws
Support the Roman Catholic church
By 1834, 20,000 Americans living in Texas
Many received 640 acres (additional 320 acres available for each child)

6. Conflict with Mexico Immigrants didn’t learn Mexican customs or laws
Too much power in the government; not people
American settlers ignored Mexican laws; they acted and lived like they did in the U.S.
Kept slavery
Not all supported the Catholic church
Mexico sent soldiers to Texas to restore order

7. Stephen Austin 1833
Tried to restore order and asked Mexican government for more rights
Gen. Santa Anna threw him in jail and suspended the Mexican constitution
1834, upon his release, Austin calls for Texans to fight Mexican government

8. 1836 Texans form a temporary government
Army was all volunteer
Captured towns of Goliad and San Antonio
Alamo (an old mission) held by 189 Texans v. 3,000 Mexican soldiers
After a 13 day siege, with no reinforcements arriving, Santa Anna attacked (March 6, 1836)
All killed except those not fighting (a few women)

9. Convention of 1836 and Texas Independence
Mexican army also captured Goliad
Santa Anna executed 400 prisoners
Convention of 1836 and Texas Independence
March 1836 delegates met to declare independence and make a constitution
Legalized slavery
President 3 yr term (non-consecutive)

10. San Jacinto Sam Houston new general of Texan army
Eventually made a stand at San Jacinto (April 1836 present day Houston)
Defeated Santa Anna
Texan Independence was recognized
Santa Anna thrown out of power in Mexico

11. The Lone Star Republic Sept. 1836
Sam Houston elected President of Texas
Sent a delegation Washington D.C. asking for the U.S. to annex Texas
President Jackson refused due to adding another slave state would upset the balance in Congress
Texas tried to make it as a country but debt and no money made it difficult
Many Texans still hoped to join the union
President Van Buren put off the issue (over concerns about slavery)

12. President Tyler (1st vice president to become president upon death of a president – William Henry Harrison)
Supported annexation
Senate failed to ratify annexation treaty
1845 President Polk (who won his election by supporting annexation of Texas and the Oregon Territory) finally passed a resolution to annex Texas.
Texas joined the union on December 29, 1845
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