Expansion in Texas Moving West part 5

In the early 1800’s, México's northern provinces included present day Texas, New Mexico, and California.

Mexico won its independence from Spain in 1821 Mexico won its independence from Spain in 1821. In the years that followed, Mexico sought to improve its economy.

As a result, Mexico loosened its trade restrictions between its northern provinces and the United States.

Texas had few settlers.

Although its land was good for farming, people feared attacks by Native Americans.

Mexico began to encourage American farmers to settle in Texas Mexico began to encourage American farmers to settle in Texas. In the early 1820’s, Mexico offered huge land grants to American settlers.

Under these land grants, Americans bought land in Mexico for a low price. In exchange, they promised to obey Mexican laws and practice Roman Catholicism.

Many Americans rushed at the chance Many Americans rushed at the chance. The same restless determination that produced new inventions and manufactured goods fed the American urge to settle the west.

American settlers in Texas were called Anglos.

They soon outnumbered the Tejanos, or Spanish speaking Texans.

The Americans in Texas eventually established a colony in Texas. The American Stephen F. Austin was the colony’s leader.

The number of Anglos in Texas steadily grew and their colony thrived The number of Anglos in Texas steadily grew and their colony thrived. As a result, many people in the United States considered making Texas part of their country.

President John Quincy Adams had offered to buy Texas for $1 million President John Quincy Adams had offered to buy Texas for $1 million. President Andrew Jackson later offered $5 million.

Mexico refused to sell Texas Mexico refused to sell Texas. Soon the Mexicans also began to have second thoughts about inviting so many Americans.