Overview
This lecture covers the causes, events, and aftermath of Texas's independence from Mexico, highlighting key conflicts, demographic shifts, and the status of slavery.
Mexican Independence & Texas Settlement
- Mexico gained independence from Spain in 1821, changing the dynamic in the southwest.
- Both Spanish and later Mexican governments encouraged Anglo (English-speaking, mostly Protestant) settlement in Texas to boost population and productivity.
- Empresarios, like Moses and Stephen Austin, brought Anglo families to Texas under agreements to assimilate into Mexican society and convert to Catholicism.
- Texas had two main groups: Anglos and Tejanos (Spanish-speaking Catholics), plus various Native American tribes.
Rising Tensions in Texas
- Anglos began to outnumber the Tejano population by 1835.
- Most Anglos stayed loyal to the U.S., causing distrust with Mexican authorities.
- Legal disputes were handled non-locally by Mexican officials called alcades.
- In 1829, Mexico abolished slavery, angering Anglo slaveholders.
- Tensions led to brief revolts, including one by Hayden Edwards; Mexico banned more Anglo migration in 1830.
Texas Revolution & Independence
- Antonio López de Santa Anna became Mexico's president and later a military dictator, abolishing state governments, including in Texas.
- In 1836, Texans declared independence and captured San Antonio.
- The Battle of the Alamo resulted in a Mexican victory, with all Texan defenders killed.
- Sam Houston led Texan forces to victory at the Battle of San Jacinto, capturing Santa Anna and forcing him to sign a treaty recognizing Texas independence.
The Lone Star Republic & Aftermath
- Texas became an independent nation (the "Lone Star Republic") from 1836–1845.
- Mexico's Congress refused to recognize Texas independence, disputing both its status and its borders.
- Texas sought U.S. annexation, but the debate over slavery and relations with Mexico delayed this.
- Texas had about 15,000 slaves and would become the largest slave state if admitted to the U.S.
- After independence, Texas rapidly increased in population, partly due to economic hardships like the Panic of 1837.
- The Texas government pursued aggressive removal of Native Americans, especially the Cherokee and Comanche.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Anglo — English-speaking, mostly Protestant settlers in Texas.
- Tejano — Spanish-speaking, Catholic residents of Texas.
- Empresario — A person authorized to settle immigrants in Texas.
- Alcade — Local Mexican official who resolved legal disputes.
- Battle of the Alamo — 1836 battle where Mexican forces defeated and killed all Texan defenders.
- Battle of San Jacinto — Decisive Texan victory leading to Santa Anna's capture and Texas independence.
- Lone Star Republic — Name for independent Texas from 1836–1845.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review the events leading up to the Texas Revolution and the roles of key figures like Sam Houston and Santa Anna.
- Prepare for a discussion on how the status of slavery impacted Texas's push for U.S. statehood.
- Read about the impact of Texas independence on Native American populations in the region.