[ 3.4 ] A New Wave of Settlement

Early Settlers From the time of the conquistadors, Spain had claimed the land that included what is now Texas for its own. This claim did not stop others from taking an interest in the land. French explorers had journeyed into the heart of North America in the 1600s and reached Texas in 1685. Although their settlement, Fort St. Louis, did not last long, the news of a French colony in Texas alarmed the Spanish. The Spanish began founding missions and presidios in Texas in hopes that this would keep other countries out.

Early Settlers Texas’s rich lands drew Spanish, French, and U.S. explorers and settlers over the course of several centuries.

Early Settlers Analyze Data What factors likely drew settlers to Texas during this time? What factors caused them to leave?

Texas at the End of Spanish Rule The freedom Mexico won in 1821 had not come easily. Bloody battles with Spanish armies had taken a heavy toll on the population.

Texas at the End of Spanish Rule Analyze Data What were some of the reasons for the changing population in these two cities?

Texas at the End of Spanish Rule The landscape of east Texas was home to forests, marshes, rivers, and streams, all of which provided an ideal environment for farming.

Impact of Mexican Independence on Immigration Texas was not the only area of Mexico that faced problems after the end of Spanish rule. After the Mexican revolution, many Mexican farms, ranches, and businesses lay in ruins. In some areas, most of the people had moved away to avoid the fighting or to find work.

Impact of Mexican Independence on Immigration Analyze Maps What geographic factors likely made Texas appealing to some settlers? What factors likely made it unappealing to other setters?

Impact of Mexican Independence on Immigration Lawmakers met in the Chamber of Deputies in Mexico City. There they made key decisions about the fate of Texas.

Impact of Mexican Independence on Immigration Analyze Timelines What does this timeline suggest about Mexico’s views on colonization and immigration during this period? Analyze Timelines What does this timeline suggest about Mexico’sviews on colonization and immigration during this period?

Quiz: Early Settlers Which of the following characterized Texas in the early 1800s? A. dry and unsuitable for farming B. many new towns and ranches C. rural and sparsely populated D. well-developed and settled

Quiz: Texas at the End of Spanish Rule What attracted settlers to move to East Texas in the early 1800s? A. a loose legal system that would make getting rich easy B. government that would support business and trade C. land that would be good for farming D. rivers that would make transportation easy

Quiz: Impact of Mexican Independence on Immigration Why did Mexico begin offering empresario contracts for Texas? A. too few Mexicans wanted to move to Texas B. too few Americans wanted to move to Texas C. too many Mexicans wanted to move to Texas D. too many Mexicans were leaving Texas