1. The Mexican National Era
Settlement in Texas

2. Failure of Spain
The mission system Spain had used to colonize Texas had very limited success.
The Native Americans in Texas refused to give up their lifestyles and adopt the Spanish culture.
Spain then tried to bring in colonists from other territories, but there was simply too much land.

3. France Leaves
Napoleon was trying to establish France’s domination over Europe
He gave up his claims in the New World to Spain
After years of fighting in Europe, France wanted its land back only to sell it to the US (Louisiana Purchase) for $15 million

4. Spain Worries
While France had been in the New World it had prevented the movement of Americans into Spanish controlled land.
After the Louisiana purchase that threat became a reality.
Spanish citizens in Mexico were also becoming upset with the Spanish government

5. Father Hidalgo
Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla – not the same priest who worked with the Caddo
This Hidalgo was a local parish priest in Mexico who worked hard to help his people become self sufficient
After years of being oppressed (treated harshly and given few freedoms) Hidalgo called for Mexican independence from Spain

6. Grito de Dolores
In September of 1810 Father Hidalgo gathered his parishioners and gave a speech that ignited the Mexican fight for independence
Hidalgo was captured by the Spanish army in and sent to Mexico City where he was executed.
His efforts were not in vain – the Mexican people continued to fight and won their independence in 1821

7. Mexican Fight for Independence
After the death of Father Hidalgo many others took up his cause
Jose Bernardo Gutierrez and Augustus Magee organized the Republic of the North and declared Texas independent of Spain
Although they were quickly defeated their efforts encouraged others to fight to free Mexico and Texas from Spain

8. Mexican Fight for Independence
After the failed Gutierrez-Magee Expedition – Dr. James Long lead a group into Texas from Mississippi and captured Nacogdoches
The group continued to San Antonio and proclaimed Texas free and independent from Spain
The Spanish Army responded swiftly and defeated the Long expedition

9. Mexico is Free
After years of revolutionary war Mexico won its independence in 1821
Now Mexico attempts to settle Texas by allowing Anglo colonization of the area

10. Empresarios Land in the newly formed United States was expensive
Land in Texas was cheap
The Spanish government wanted the land settled to establish its claim
The Spanish government agreed to allow Anglos (from the US) to bring in settlers

11. Moses Austin
Having gained and lost a fortune in the US – Moses Austin was hoping to regain his wealth by bringing settlers from the US into Texas
Moses Austin – with the help from prominent Spanish citizen, Erasmo Seguin, gained approval from the Spanish government in to bring 300 families into Texas.

12. Stephen F Austin
Before he could fulfill his contract Moses Austin died
His son, Stephen, agreed to carryout his fathers dream
He met with the newly formed Mexican government and gained approval to bring the 300 families to Texas

13. Stephen F Austin
Austin gathered his families and in 1821 settled them along the Brazos, Colorado, and San Bernard Rivers
Each family Austin brought had to
agree to adopt the Catholic faith
Become first Spanish (when Mexico and Texas belonged to Spain) and then Mexican citizens
Be in good standing with the community (good, moral character)

14. Other Empresarios
After the success of Stephen F Austin, others decided to make their fortune by bringing Anglo settlers into Mexico
Soon the cheap land became home to numerous Anglos who had made promises they were not keeping
Mexico was in danger of losing Texas