Chapter 9-1 The Road to Revolution

Review Stephen F. Austin and other empresarios are given land contracts to settle families in Texas. Settlers want to come to Texas for the cheap land. Law of April 6, 1830 limited immigrants entering Texas because the Mexican government was concerned that Mexican culture was becoming overwhelmed by the influence of so many outsiders from the United States. It also banned the importation of slaves into Texas.

Difficulties with Mexico As the Mexican government tried to tighten its control over the Texas settlers, conflicts arose. During most of the 1820s, the Federalists held power in Mexico and largely left the settlers in Texas alone. When the Centralists gained power in 1829, they issued regulations over Texas. Tensions had already been rising, but this created more conflict.

The Fredonian Rebellion In 1825, Mexico grants a large tract of land in the Nacogdoches area to Haden Edwards to settle 800 families.

The Fredonian Rebellion There are already Mexican, U.S., and Cherokee settlers occupying the area, so Edwards demands the settlers provide their land titles. If they did not provide their titles, the settlers had to leave the land or buy it from Edwards. This angers the settlers as many of them have no proof of their ownership.

The Fredonian Rebellion During this time, there is an election for Mayor of Nacogdoches causing more tension. Candidates: Samuel Norris—agrees with the settlers Chichester Chaplin (son-in-law of Haden Edwards)—agrees with Edwards After the vote, Edwards declares Chaplin the winner, but Mexican official Jose Antonio Saucedo declares Norris the winner. Edwards is unwilling to accept this decision. The Mexican government also decides in favor of the existing settlers as Edwards’ contract required him to respect the property rights of settlers already holding title to their lands.

The Fredonian Rebellion Haden Edwards protests the decision, so the Mexican government cancels Edwards’ contract. Response: Haden Edwards’ brother, Benjamin Edwards, begins a rebellion by declaring their part of East Texas as the independent “Republic of Fredonia” and camp out in a building called the Old Stone Fort. Edwards petitions Stephen F. Austin for help, but he is against the rebellion.

The Fredonian Rebellion Stephen F. Austin helps the Mexican government put down the revolt. In January 1827, the Fredonian Rebellion collapses. Some Fredonians are captured, but most flee across the Sabine River into the United States as the Mexican military and SFA’s militia approach. Result: The Fredonian Rebellion worried the Mexican government because they thought it was a plot by the U.S. to aquire Texas.

Mier y Teran Report Concerned about the region, Mexican officials send General Manuel de Mier y Teran to inspect the area. Mier y Teran travels to Laredo, San Antonio, San Felipe de Austin, Nacogdoches, and other Texas settlements

Mier y Teran Report Mier y Teran notes: Mexican influence in Texas decreases as one moves northward and eastward in Texas U.S. settlers outnumber Tejanos by 10 to 1 in East Texas and warns that the U.S. influence is growing too strong Trade Imbalance—East Texas traded more with the U.S. than Mexico Little Mexican military presence past San Antonio

Mier y Teran’s Recommendations Increase trade between Texas and Mexico to discourage trade between the U.S. Increase military presence in Texas by using Mexican soldiers to control borders and protect settlements Encourage Europeans and Mexicans to settle in Texas to balance the number of U.S. settlers Result: Mier y Teran hoped the recommendations would decrease the U.S. influence in Texas and demonstrate Mexico’s determination to keep Texas.