Lesson 1

 Write down 3 reasons you would be willing to leave your home to move somewhere new.

Land, Religion, Friends, Democratic Government, New Towns, Leadership Opportunities, Meet new People, Strong leader to guide the way, Businesses, Supplies Would you move for:

 The government was similar to that of the United States?

 Created Democratic government with a constitution  The Mexican Constitution of 1824 Provided 3 branches of government  Under this government Settlers were required to:  Practice the Catholic Religion  Follow the Mexican Laws  Pay Taxes

 Stephen F. Austin would guide you and your family?

Austin guided 300 families to Texas. Austin governed the colony and was the judge.  The Spanish Government agreed that Moses Austin could bring 300 families from the United States to Texas.  Moses Austin died before he could but his son Stephen F. Austin carried out the plan.  Stephen F. Austin is known as the “Father of Texas” and he brought his first group of settlers over in 1821.

a person who brought settlers into a colony, divides land, and enforce law. Question: Was Stephen F. Austin an Empresario? Why?

 Lots of Land available  Missions already established  Some settlers already there  Forest for lumber  Animals for food, and clothing  Lakes and rivers for water and food

Do you think the explorers BIG ships could travel in Texas’ rivers? Why?

 You would be part of a growing and developing town?

When a settlement is started.

 Families began to grow crops to be sold.  Communities and Towns began to be formed  Families raised and sold cattle  Differences is cultures and people were discovered

What types of stores or businesses do you think towns needed to support the farmers needs?

YesNo  Democratic Government with 3 branches  Land  Religion  New towns  Leadership opportunities  New people  Pay Taxes  Follow Mexican Laws  Practice Catholic Religion  Cultural differences between people in the towns