Texas Sized: Tug of War

1
Texas SizedTug of War

• Causes of the Texas Revolution

2
Constitution of 1824

• Mexicos Constitution of 1824 established a
  states rights government
• Texans supported this type of government because
  it gave them more local control.
• Some Mexican nationalists were concerned that too
  many settlers from the U.S. and local control
  could cause colonists to seize Texas and join the
  U.S.

3
Edwards Brothers vs. Squatters

• Haden Edwards and his brother Benjamin got a land
  grant from Mexico to settle 800 families near
  Nacogdoches.
• When the Edwards brothers arrived with their
  settlers, there were already several hundred
  families living in the area.
• These people were squatters- people who have been
  on the land for several generations, but do not
  have a title to the land they consider theirs
• Edwards brothers demanded that the squatters show
  ownership to the land.
• If titles could not be presented, the Edwards
  brothers demanded payment for the land or the
  squatters had to leave.
• The squatters appealed to the Mexican government
  and the government sided with the squatters.
• The Edwards brothers were furious.

4
Fredonian Revolt

• Benjamin Edwards organized a revolt and took over
  the Old Stone Fort in Nacogdoches. He started
  the Republic of Fredonia and declared
  independence from Mexico.
• The revolt had no support from most Texans, and
  the Mexicans sent troops to put a stop to the
  revolt. The Fredonians fled and the revolt was
  over.
• Although a minor event, the Fredonian Revolt
  attracted the attention of the Mexican
  government. Concerned about the Texas situation,
  the Mexican government sent a group to
  investigate conditions in Texas.

5
Teran Report

• General Mier y Teran was sent to inspect Texas.
• He reported that the Mexican influence in Texas
  was decreasing. In East Texas, the Anglos
  outnumbered the Mexicans five to one.
• Teran expressed his concerns and even said that
  Texas could throw all of Mexico into revolution
  if something wasnt done.
• His findings alarmed the Mexican government.
  Mexico made a dramatic change toward Texas.

6
Law of April 6, 1830

• Outlawed immigration to Texas from the U.S.
• Further outlawed importing of slaves.
• Placed custom duties, or taxes, on goods brought
  into Texas from U.S.
• Sent Mexican troops to Texas
• Angered colonists and violated Constitution of
  1824

7
Santa Annas Rise

• President Bustamante set up a strong national
  government against Constitution of 1824.
• Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna launched a revolution
  against Bustamante in 1832.
• Texans, including Stephen F. Austin, supported
  Santa Annas revolution.
• In truth Santa Anna wanted all power in his
  government (centralist government)

8
Anahuac

• In May 1832, William B. Travis is arrested after
  embarrassing John Bradburn, a Mexican official.
• 150 settlers march towards Anahuac to demand his
  release.
• Bradburn says he will release Travis if the group
  retreats but once they do, he refuses.

9
Turtle Bayou Resolution

• The settlers camp near Turtle Bayou and draft a
  resolution while waiting for John Austin to
  return with a cannon.
• Pledge loyalty to Mexico and support for Santa
  Anna.
• Mexican official from Nacogdoches learns of the
  trouble and releases Travis and dismisses
  Bradburn.

10
Convention of 1832

• 56 delegates met in San Felipe in Oct. 1832 to
  draft resolutions.
• Pledged support for Constitution of 1824 and
  asked for immigration from U.S. and repeal of
  custom duties.
• Also, requested protection from Indians and
  public schools.
• Finally, asked that the state of Coahuila y Tejas
  be divided so each have own government.
• However, the resolution was refused by Mexico

11
Convention of 1833

• April 1, 1833, delegates met to draft same
  proposals but also drafted a constitution for
  the new Mexican state of Texas.
• Many took this as defiance of government.

12
Austin Arrested

• July 1833, SFA took resolutions to Mexico City.
• After waiting for response, sent letter to
  delegates to create own Texas government under
  Mexican union.
• Santa Anna agreed to many of Texans resolutions
  (except separate state).
• When returning, Austin arrested and accused of
  treason after Mexicans discover letter he wrote.

13
Is War in the Future?

• The Adams-Onis Treaty made it illegal for
  Americans to settle west of the Texas/Louisiana
  boundary.
• This upset many Americans because they felt is
  denied them the right to move west to seek their
  destinies (Manifest Destiny)
• At this point, the tensions between Anglos and
  Spaniards in Texas are beginning to rise.
• Texas settlers are angry and no resolution is in
  sightIs war in the future for Texas?