Unit 5: Mexican National The causes of Mexican independence from Spain

There are many reasons people immigrate to other countries: Economic ($$$) – to make money Political – if you do not like the laws / policies of the country in which you live Social – famine and the wish to own their own land

Vocabulary Constitution – a written statement outlining the basic laws or principles by which a country or organization is governed. Empresario – (spanish for contractor) an agent who makes all arrangements to bring settlers to a colony Filibusters – an adventurer who engages in a private rebellious activity in a foreign country

Vocabulary part 2 Immigration – when people come to a country to settle Tejano – a person of Mexican descent living in Texas Representative Government – allows its citizens to elect other citizens to make decisions for a large group of citizens.

Vocabulary part 3 Sitio – Spanish unit of measure representing 4,428 acres of land Title – legal right to own property Census – official count of population of an area Department – section land Speculator – people who buy large areas of land and try to sell the land bit by bit

Why do historians divide the past into eras? History is divided into eras so it is easier to identify cause and effect of the great events/people in history

Significant Dates 1821 – Mexico is independent from Spain 1821 - Stephen F. Austin leads the “Old Three Hundred” 1824 – Mexican Constitution 1825 – 1830 – 30 Empresario contracts

Important People Moses Austin – first American to work with the Spanish government on a plan to colonize TX. Died before he could succeed. Stephen F. Austin – first American to recruit and settle Americans in Texas/Mexico. Carried on his father’s plan to colonize TX with 300 families. (text p.118)

Important People Erasmo Seguin – helped Moses Austin obtain approval from Spanish officials to settle American colonists in TX, a rancher, represented TX in the Mexican Congress, and helped write the TX constitution. Martin DeLeon – a Mexican empresario who settled 200 Mexican families in South TX. (Text p.123) Green DeWitt – an important American empresario who settled 166 families in the area near Gonzales/ his colony did well by ranching and farming

The “Old Three Hundred” Stephen F. Austin continues his father’s dream by settling 300 families from the United States. There were three requirements for settlement: Must convert to Catholicism Must become a Spanish/Mexican citizen Must be of good moral character

Individuals, Issues, & Events… Philip Nolan – (a filibuster) came to TX claiming he wanted to capture and trade wild horses. The Spanish were suspicious because he made maps and dealt with the U.S. On a trip to Waco he was captured and killed. (p.93) Gutierrez-Magee Expedition - they proclaimed TX independent of Spain but were defeated. They hoped by invading TX they could continue the rebellion started by Father Hidalgo. It still encouraged others to free TX and Mexico from Spanish rule. The Battle of Medina

Individuals, Issues, & Events… Galveston Pirates – Jean Lafitte and other pirates attack Spanish ships. Lafitte had control of Galveston Bay. Long Expedition – Dr. James Long led a group from Mississippi to Nacogdoches where he declared TX independent from Spain. While looking for military support, he was captured, taken to Mexico City, and shot. Jane Long – his wife, was known as the “Mother of TX” because of her strength and resolve. After her husband’s death she got her own land grant and opened a hotel. (Text p.121)

Mexican Constitution The Mexican Constitution addressed many issues, but there was one big issue… No Freedom of Religion ! Everyone was required to support the Catholic Church

Tejanos Do you remember who a Tejano is ??? Tejanos were able to maintain cultural heritage by… Celebrating Mexican & American Holidays Combining English language with Spanish words & phrases Cooking & enjoying foods from their heritage as well as American foods.

Significant Facts Constitution of 1824 (1)made sure the Roman Catholic religion was the national faith (2) money from the national treasury supported the church (3)all dealing with Mexican government had to be conducted in Spanish (4) established the state of Coahuila y Texas

Anglos – TX Settlements Gain cheap land for agriculture Escape problems in US Make money Freedom/Adventure

Spanish – TX Settlements Protect land from other countries like France Convert Native Texans to Christianity Spread Catholic religion Spread Spanish culture