History of Texas, Part I GOVT 2306, Module 1

Early Texas

Native Americans When European explorers first set eyes on the Texas coast in 1521, 30,000- 40,000 Native Americans lived in the land that is now Texas.

Colonializing the Western Hemisphere Did language follow colonization? Do those languages persist to this day?

Spanish Colonization The Spanish mapped the Gulf Coast, but did not begin settlement activity until the Frenchman La Salle built a small fort in South Texas. Fearing a French incursion, the Spanish began to establish settlements in East and South Texas. Cabeza de Vaca

A presidio is a fortified military settlement.

Spanish Territories in North America

Mexican Independence Mexico won its independence from Spain in 1821. Texas was no longer part of Spain. It was part of Mexico.

Mexico in 1821

Texas in 1821 Only 7,000 Europeans lived in Texas in 1821. The only Spanish settlements remaining were San Antonio, Goliad, and Nacogdoches. Austin is founded later.

Quiz At one time or another, the land that is currently part of Texas was claimed by all but which one of the following nations? a) Mexico b) England c) France d) Spain The answer is B.

Texas Anglo Colonization

Mexico Encourages Colonization Mexico encouraged Anglo settlement from the United States with offers of free land in hopes of shoring up the territory against American aggression. Stephen F. Austin brought 300 families to Texas. Stephen F. Austin

Anglo Settlements in Texas By 1836, 35,000 non-Native Americans lived in Texas. Most of the settlers from the United States came from southern states. The Anglo settlers understand that they were coming to a different country and planned to be loyal Mexican citizens, but trouble soon developed between the Texas settlers and the Mexican government centered 900 miles away.

Differences Leading to Revolution Anglo Settlers Mexican Authorities Speak English Protestant Christians Own slaves Consider themselves racially and culturally superior Prefer self-government Speak Spanish Catholicism is official religion Outlaw slavery Consider themselves racially and culturally superior Insist on central control

Texas Revolution

Texas as a Mexican State

Factors Leading to Revolution Mexican government attempts to close the U.S. border to immigration. Texas settlers want their own state, separate from Coahuila. Texas settlers demand the right to use English in official business. Mexican government ordered an end to slavery in Texas. Texas settlers were no longer exempt from taxes. New Mexican constitution centralized power in the national government rather than decentralizing power among the Mexican states.

Unrest Develops In 1835, arrest spread among the Texas colonists and the Mexican government responded with troops. The Texas Revolution began in October when Texians forcefully resisted a Mexican attempt to seize a cannon at Gonzalez.

Texians on the Offensive The Texians went on the offensive against the Mexican forces in the territory. By mid December, Texian forces were in control of all of Texas.

Santa Anna Strikes Back Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna, the president of Mexico, assembled a force of 6,000 to invade Texas and quell the rebellion.

Remember the Alamo! Santa Anna and his army reached San Antonio in February 1836 and immediately laid siege to the Texian garrison hold up in the Alamo. On March 6, the Mexican army stormed the Alamo, killing everyone inside, including William Barrett Travis, James Bowie, and Davey Crockett.

Santa Anna Presses Toward the Coast Santa Anna divided his army into three parts and advanced across Texas in hopes of forcing a decisive battle with the Texian army, now led by Sam Houston.

Runaway Scrape After the fall of the Alamo, Texian forces under Houston retreated to the east. Texian civilians fled as fast as they could toward the Louisiana border as well. Both of these movements were known as the runaway scrape.

Battle of San Jacinto Santa Anna caught the Texians at the San Jacinto River on April 21, 1835. Although badly outnumbered, Sam Houston ordered his men to attack the Mexican army which was caught by surprise. The result was one of the most decisive battles in military history.

Independence The Mexican army was destroyed and Santa Anna was captured. In exchange for his freedom, he agreed to Texas independence. He subsequently renounced the agreement, but Texas had won its independence.

Lone Star Republic The Republic of Texas lasted from 1836 to 1846 when the U.S. Congress annexed Texas as the 28th state. Texas agreed to cede some of its western territory to other U.S. territories in exchange for the U.S. government assuming the Texas debt of $10 million.

Quiz What was the status of Texas just before it became a U.S. state? a) It was independent. b) It was a U.S. territory. c) It was part of Mexico. d) It was part of Spain. The answer is A.

What You Have Learned What European country colonized the land that is Texas? How did Mexican independence affect Texas? What brought settlers from the United States to Texas? What were the underlying and immediate causes of the Texas revolution? What were the most important developments of the Texas Revolution? Why is Texas unique among the American states?