The Road to Revolution

Texas Under Mexico’s Rule In 1824, Mexico adopted the Constitution of 1824 which established a federal government. The constitution gave limited power to the central government and broad power to the states (division of power called federalism) Most Tejanos, Texans, and US settlers supported the constitution as it gave more power to Texas.

Coahuila Y Texas In 1825 per the constitution, the Texas region joined the Mexican state of Coahuila forming Coahuila y Texas Texas remained a political subdivision and was later divided into 3 departments

Slavery (and other issues) in Texas “The colonists in Texas will not be Mexicans more than in name” – An American newspaper in 1825 One of the biggest issues to separate the US settlers in Texas and the Mexican government was slavery. During the 1820’s both Coahuila y Texas and the Mexican National government restricted slavery, even though many Texans ignored the restrictions Several Texans including Stephen F Austin were opposed to slavery but felt it was necessary at the time to keep the economy moving in the right direction. In 1827, the Coahuila y Texas state outlawed slavery. In 1829, President Vicente Guerrero issued a decree ending Slavery

Fredonian Rebellion Empresario Haden Edwards had received a large land grant in East Texas. When he arrived however, his land was already settled. He was forced to recognize the rights of these people by Mexico. The majority did not have titles, but had lived on the land for many years. Conflict erupted. Edwards led a small group of settlers to the Old Stone Fort in Nacadoches.

Fredonian Rebellion cont’d Edwards and his followers raised a flag with the words “Independence, Liberty, and Justice,” and proclaimed they had established the independent Republic of Fredonia. Edwards received no support from Austin or the other colonists. Mexican troops from San Antonio quickly brought the rebellion to an end.

Mier Teran Report Following the Fredonian Rebellion, the Mexican government sent General Manuel de Mier y Teran to inspect the colonies. He became concerned about the American influence in Texas and recommended that Mexico take action or lose Texas interests completely.

The Law of April 6, 1830 In response to Mier y Teran’s report, The Law of April 6, 1830 was passed. This banned US immigration into Texas as well as made it illegal for Texans to bring in more slaves. Mexico hoped this would increase Mexico’s control over Texas President Vicente Guerrero

Conflicts at Anahuac 5 W’s of Anahuac Who: Hundreds of Troops stationed in Texas to enforce the Law of April 6, 1830 . A rebellion made of townspeople was led by the brother of an arrested man. What: Tensions were rising in Anahuac between Texans and Mexican officials Where: Anahuac- an important trade route and immigration point at the mouth of the Trinity River on Galveston Bay When: In the 1830’s after the Law of April 6, 1830 was passed Why: Import taxes/control of trade as well as the arresting of several Texans

The Turtle Bayou Resolutions 5 W’s of The Turtle Bayou Resolutions Who: Over 150 Texas townspeople who opposed the actions in Anahuac What: An official document that stated the opinions and reasons behind the march/capturing of Mexican troops at Anahuac. Where: Turtle Bayou- a few miles from Anahuac When: June 13, 1832 Why: It was not a rebellion against the government but a defending of their rights under the constitution

The Battle of Velasco During the march and minor exchange of gunfire at Anahuac (prior to the resolutions), some of the men left to find a cannon in the town of Brazoria. Unaware that the resolution had been filed and the conflict was over, the men headed back to Anahuac. When they reached Velasco, the Mexican officials would not let them pass resulting in The Battle of Velasco on June 26, 1832. The Mexican army soon ran out of ammunition an surrendered to the Texas colonists

Bustamante VS. Santa Anna Anastacio Bustamante- Mexico’s President from 1830 to 1832 after overthrowing and killing President Vicente Guerrero. He was a Centralist. Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna- Led a revolt against President Bustamante and was successful. He was elected President in 1833. Texans believed he was a Federalist.

Elected President of Mexico in 1833. Why 2? - many delegates did not attend the first convention leading to second convention The Convention of 1832/1833 Santa Anna Elected President of Mexico in 1833. Texans hoped he would… Constitution of 1824 Enforce because its federalists principles gave Texas strong local control. Convention of 1832/1833 Allow US immigration Make Texas a separate state Exempt TX from customs duties. Provide land for schools

Austin is ARRESTED!! Austin set out on a 3 month mission to Mexico City to present the demands established in the Conventions of 1832 and 1833 to Santa Anna in April of 1833. Because of other issues the nation was facing, Santa Anna and the congress could not meet to discuss Austin’s demands until November. In October, Austin (very frustrated) wrote to the Texas government ordering them to go ahead and begin organizing a state government; even though that demand had yet to be granted.

Austin is ARRESTED cont!! When Austin finally was able to meet with Santa Anna, all the demands from the conventions were granted EXCEPT Texas being made into a separate state. Austin was satisfied and returned to Texas only to be arrested by Mexican officials who intercepted the letter he had written. Austin was imprisoned for a year (without trial) for “Challenging the Mexican Government”

What did you LEARN? 1. What led Colonists to write the Turtle Bayou Resolutions? - Several Texans were arrested in Anahuac leading to a march and exchange of gunfire. The townspeople wrote the Resolutions to explain their rebellion. 2. What impact did the Constitution of 1824 have on events in Texas? - This made many Texans support Santa Anna’s hopes of overthrowing the government. The constitution was not being followed under the original govt. and limited the power given to the states.