Unit 5: Mexican National Tension with Spain and the U.S. Section One Notes

French and Indian War In 1754, a war began between France and Great Britain over land in the New World. Surprisingly, Spain sided with France because they feared Great Britain’s growing power. The British ended up winning the war, and France and Spain were forced to cede, or officially give, territory to Britain after signing the Treaty of Paris.

A Loss, But a Win! Spain lost Florida, but in return for siding with France, Spain was given land by France when the war was over. Spain gained New Orleans and all the French territory to the west of the Mississippi River.

North America After the Treaty of Paris

The Marqués de Rubí Report Marqués de Rubí was sent north by the Spanish government in Mexico City to inspect all of their land holdings. After traveling for two years, he turned in his report. He had four recommendations:

1.Spain should abandon all missions and presidios except those at La Bahía and San Antonio. 2.San Antonio should then replace Los Adaes as the capital of Texas. 3.The Spanish population in East Texas should be moved to San Antonio to strengthen the defenses of the settlement and missions there. 4.The Spanish should befriend the Comanche and use their help in fighting the Apache.

Changes in Texas Policies The Spanish approved of Rubí’s recommendations. They changed the capital of Texas and moved the settlers from Los Adaes to San Antonio. But the settlers were unhappy there. They eventually were allowed to leave, led by Antonio Gil Ybarbo. These people eventually founded the town of Nacogdoches.

Spanish – Native American Relations The Spanish started to realized that the mission system failed at securing peaceful relations with Native Americans in Texas. The missions were often being attacked by Native American groups. Spain decided to try the French plan of trading with them and giving them gifts. Eventually, the Spanish and the Comanche signed a peace treaty and maintained peace for 30 years. However, attacks by the Apache continued.

The Growing U.S. Threat In 1775, American settlers of the thirteen colonies began fighting for their independence from Great Britain, and Spain joined to fight against the British. The United States won its independence in 1783 and became a republic, a government in which voters elect officials to represent them. But the United States grew quickly, threatening Spain’s hold on land in the New World.

The Louisiana Purchase Spain was already worried about U.S. citizens entering Spanish territory and settling on the land. Then in 1800, France forced Spain to return Louisiana and then sold it to the United States for $15 million in This land deal, known as the Louisiana Purchase, doubled the size of the U.S. The United States now bordered New Spain.

After the Louisiana Purchase

Border Disputes in Texas Soon after the Louisiana Purchase, a dispute arose over the undefined boundaries of the Louisiana Territory, with some U.S. officials claiming that the boundary was the Rio Grande. That would mean Texas was part of the United States.

Temporary Agreement In 1806, Spanish colonel Simón de Herrera met with U.S. General James Wilkinson. They agreed to make the disputed territory neutral, not belonging to either side. This Neutral Ground would not be touched until delegates, or representatives, from each country could come to a better agreement.

The Adams-Onís Treaty In 1819, Spain and the U.S. signed the Adams Onís Treaty. As part of the terms, the U.S. gave up claims to Texas in exchange for the Neutral Ground and Florida.

After the Adams-Onís Treaty