Chapter 9.2 – A Bitter Division Most of the settlers were upset that more Mexican troops were being sent to Texas. They were also upset with Mexican President Anastasio Bustamante for refusing to obey the 1824 constitution that called for “states rights”.

A new leader emerges… Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna was born in 1794. In 1832 Santa Anna launched a revolution against Bustamante. Stephen F. Austin and Texans supported Santa Anna believing he would restore a state’s rights government.

Tensions increasing For Texans to trade on the sea they needed permission. This slowed down business, so the settlers ignored the laws. Mexican officials, such as John Davis Bradburn, began arresting settlers for trading illegally. Bradburn also sheltered runaway slaves

William B. Travis comes to Texas In 1832 at the age of 22 (this is an illegal entry because of the April 6th law) Travis came to Texas as a lawyer to convince Bradburn to release the slaves. Travis was arrested as was his assistant Anglo troops began uniting and with a canon began marching toward Bradburn’s residence to free Travis.

The Turtle Bayou Resolution At the brink of war, a resolution (a formal statement of a decision, opinion, or course of action by an official group) was agreed upon. The Texas settlers stated they supported Santa Anna because he claimed to favor the Constitution of 1824. Travis was released and Bradburn was relieved from his duty.

Meanwhile…a fight is happening While the resolution is being formed, Texas troops and Mexican troops are fighting at Velasco. For the first time soldiers are firing at one another. 10 Texans and 5 Mexicans are killed in battle. How might history be different if communication was better?

The Conventions of 1832 & 1833 In 1832, SFA was appointed president of a convention of 56 delegates. The convention pledged support to the true Mexican government of 1824 and wanted to repeal the April 6, 1830 law. They also wanted Coahuila y Tejas to be divided. SFA then went to San Antonio to gather further support While SFA was away, the convention met again in 1833 and wrote a constitution for the new Mexican state of Texas.

Stephen F. Austin visits Mexico…again In 1833 SFA makes a 3 month journey to Mexico City to deliver the resolutions. The Mexican government didn’t accept the resolution, but they never disagreed.

Stephen F. Austin’s letter SFA then writes a letter to Texas officials telling them to begin forming a state constitution for Texas.

Austin and Santa Anna finally meet Santa Anna allows U.S. immigration He also agrees to improve the mail service and the court system. He promises fairer taxes He rejects separate state hood for Texas What about Austin’s letter?

Austin thrown in jail On his way back to Texas Austin was arrested. His letter was intercepted before it reached Texas. Austin is accused of treason, but never goes to court. He spends one year in Mexican prison.

Tensions at an all time high Austin finally made it back to Texas in 1835 - two years after he left. Austin now believes war is necessary Austin put too much faith in the promises of Santa Anna.

Critical thinking: What areas do you believe the Texas settlers were right? Were they wrong in any area? How could Mexico have handled the situation differently? Was Texas destined to break away from Mexico or could the secession have been prevented?