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Mexican Independence 1810-1821

Vocabulary Equality – the same rights for all people Rebellion – fighting against the government Dictator – government leader with total authority Grants – gifts of land Empresario – a person given a grant by Mexican government to bring settlers to Texas Militia – a group of unpaid people that acts as an army formed to keep order Tejanos – Mexican settlers in Texas Bilingual – able to speak two languages Title – the ownership of land or property Anglos – people whose ancestors are from Britain; or white people.

Stephen F. Austin Goes to Texas After the death of Moses Austin, his son, Stephen F. Austin, is determined to carry out his father’s plans to settle Texas This statue of Stephen F. Austin, the father of Texas, is located in the south entry hall of the Texas Capitol.

The Fall of New Spain In 1808 Napoleon Bonaparte took over Spain and removed the king of Spain from the throne. He placed his own brother as the ruler of Spain. Spain no longer had a strong leader. Royalists, people who were born in New Spain, but had ancestors from Spain, and Spanish-born (those from Spain) began fighting each other for control of Mexico. Neither group wanted the Indians or the mestizos to have power.

Father Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla On September 16, 1810, he gave a speech, the Grito de Dolores, demanding equality and same rights for ALL people in Mexico. He led the Indians and mestizos against the Spanish Government. He was captured, tried and executed.

Fighting begins again … Ten years later, in 1820, fighting began again. This time, Agustin de Iturbide announced the Plan de Iguala which sought to make Mexico Independent. Many people, including some Spanish soldiers, agreed. Widespread rebellion eventually forced Spain to give up control of Mexico.

Outside help for Mexican Independence Dr. James Long led an expedition, in September of 1819, from Mississippi into Texas to help drive out the Spanish. His wife, Jane Long, vowed to wait for him to return to Galveston. Except for Jane, her 6-year old daughter, and a 12-year old servant, the fort was deserted as soon as supplies ran out. Jane Long gave birth to her third child. Dr. Long was killed during the expedition and never returned; so, Jane left the area the following March. Because of her devotion to her family and staying during the long winter, Jane Long is known as the “Mother of Texas”.

More Outside Help A French pirate that attacked Spanish ships in the Gulf of Mexico. He helped develop and had complete control of Galveston Island for a long period of time. Jean Lafitte

Stephen F. Austin Goes to Texas August 1821: Stephen F. Austin first arrives in San Antonio Both the mayor of San Antonio and the governor of Texas welcomed him

Stephen F. Austin Goes to Texas Erasmo Seguin was the mayor of San Antonio when Stephen F. Austin first arrived there

Tejanos Settlers Under new Mexican law, Coahuila and Texas were a single state. Most people in Texas were natives of Mexico. When Spain was in charge, many Mexican settlers moved into Texas. These settlers, Tejanos, lived in San Antonio de Bexar, La Bahia del Espiritu Santo and Nacogdoches. Some Tejanos began farms and ranches. One of the moste well-known Tejano ranchers was Erasmo Seguin. He and his son, Juan Seguin, helped the “Texians”, as some Americans that moved into Texas called themselves. Many Tejanos, who were loyal to Spain, left Texas. The remaining Tejanos became loyal to the new Mexican government. Juan Seguin

Settlements in Texas Years of fighting in Mexico had destroyed Spanish missions and presidio buildings in Texas. Farming and ranching nearly stopped. The city of Nacogdoches was turned into a ghost town. Fewer people lived in Texas. Mexico feared it would lose Texas to the United States because so few people lived there.

Austin Readies His Colony Austin explores the land east of San Antonio Picked rich farmland in the area of the Brazos and Colorado rivers mild climate, fertile soil, water, timber, wild game, near coast

Stephen F. Austin Goes to Texas Mexico had won its independence from Spain since Moses Austin’s contract had been approved A new contract would have to be worked out with the Mexican government

Great Offer for US Citizens By 1820, it was difficult to buy land in the US because land prices were high and money was scarce. Land in US was $1.25 per acre US law required a min of 80 acres Price of land had to be paid in full and in cash Austin allowed people to pay fees with goods He also allowed people to pay fees over time

Austin Sets Sail Lively — ship upon which Austin’s first colonists sailed 1821: The colonists on the Lively brought mostly seeds, tools, and building materials The Lively misses its destination Second voyage — wrecks near Galveston Governor Martinez tells Austin he will have to reconfirm his contract with the Mexican government

Austin Goes to Mexico City March 1822: Austin goes to Mexico City to convince the government to approve his colony However, he finds the government is struggling to organize — had little time for Texas matters

Mexican Texas In 1822 the Emperor of Mexico, Agustin I, ruled with complete power as a dictator. Within a year, he was removed from power by another rebellion. In the following years, Mexico had several other leaders.

Imperial Colonization Law January 1823: the Mexican government passed the Imperial Colonization Law — made Austin’s land grants secure

Grants given to Texas The new Mexican government began working with Empresarios, giving them land grants (gifts of land) in order to bring settlers to Texas. Empresarios were paid for their expenses in addition to receiving land.

Austin Goes to Mexico City Augustin de Iturbide falls from power and the Imperial Colonization Law is canceled Austin pleads his case with officials

Austin Goes to Mexico City New government upheld his contract under the terms of the canceled Imperial Colonization Law Received power to organize a local government and serve as judge for his colony. Received the power to organize a militia — used to defend against Indians

Austin Goes to Texas In April of 1823, Stephen F. Austin returns to his colony in Texas. The original colonists (first families) who settled Austin’s Colony are known as the “Old 300”. Stephen F. Austin will forever be revered as … “the father of Texas”.

Closing Write a detailed letter to Stephen F. Austin explaining why you are a perfect candidate to be allowed in Austin’s Colony. Make Stephen F. Austin really want you in his colony. Give specific examples to show you qualify. Be ready to SHARE your letter!!!