Chapter 8 Highlights Growing Tensions

Section 8-1

Five things Texans were able to do while the Federalists were in power: Receive land titles Establish newspapers Bring in slaves Clear their fields Build homes

The Centralists came to power in Mexico in Issued regulations to bring states and provinces more under the authority of the Mexican government Anglo American colonists in Texas considered these regulations to be unnecessary and unfair.

Slavery In 1829 the Mexican President issued a decree abolishing slavery. Texas tried to get Mexican officials to exempt (excuse) Texas from the decree. Texans felt they needed slaves to make a profit. The decree was never enforced in Texas, but many Texans feared that it was just a matter of time.

Haden Edwards Was permitted to settle 800 families in the Nacogdoches area. Demanded that all previous settlers show him their land title, buy a land title from him, or MOVE! Haden Edwards

Fredonian Revolt - Causes The Mexican Political Chief told Edwards he could not charge the original settlers for land title.

Fredonian Rebellion Benjamin Edwards believed the only way to solve the problem was to declare the colony independent from Mexico.

Dec. 16, 1826 Edwards led a group of armed settlers to capture the Old Stone Fort in Nacogdoches. The Old Stone Fort Nacogdoches, Texas

Raised a red and white flag bearing the words “Independence, Liberty, and Justice.” Flag of the Fredonian Rebellion

Republic of Fredonia – “Country” established in the Fredonian Rebellion

Help! Haden and Benjamin Edwards asked for help from the U.S. and Austin’s colony, but they were ignored.

No Help! The U.S. and Austin refused to help. Austin offered to help the Mexican government put down the rebellion. When Mexican troops from San Antonio arrived in January of 1827 the revolt collapsed.

Mexican Reaction Thought the Fredonian Rebellion was a plot by the U.S. to take Texas.

U.S. Proposed that Mexico Sell Texas to the U.S. Bad timing right after Fredonian Rebellion Reinforced Mexican suspicions that the U.S. wanted Texas.

Mier y Terán Investigation Observed strong Anglo American influence in Texas. Americans outnumbered Mexicans in Texas 5 to 1. Settlers were speaking English and following American customs. Texas looked more like the U.S. than it did Mexico. Gen. Mier y Terán

Prediction If the Mexican government did not take action, Texas would be lost forever.

Law of April 6, 1830 Stopped all immigration from the U.S. Suspended empresario contracts that were unfinished. Encouraged immigration from Mexico and Europe Set up forts to prevent smuggling. Placed customs duties (taxes) on products made in foreign countries.

Reaction in Texas Thought the law was unfair Felt it limited their right to make money Texans had friends & relatives in the U.S. waiting to come to Texas

Turning point in relations between Texas and Mexico. Each side began to distrust the other even more.