Mirabeau Lamar Chapter 11.2

2 nd President of Texas O Mirabeau Lamar was elected as the 2 nd President of the Republic of Texas in 1838.

Aggressive President O Lamar had an aggressive approach to Texas’ policies that was summed up in his inaugural address: O “If peace can be obtained only by the sword, let the sword do its work.”

Lamar & Native Texans O Lamar wanted to kill or force Natives out of Texas. O He ordered a militia to attack the Cherokees & force them into Oklahoma in 1839.

Santa Fe Expedition O Lamar wanted a larger & more independent Texas. O He sent 270 soldiers to Santa Fe, New Mexico to convince New Mexicans that they were Texans.

Santa Fe Expedition O The New Mexicans refused to become part of Texas & the Texan soldiers were forced to surrender to Mexican authorities. O This expedition wasted lots of Texas’ money & increased tensions with Mexico.

A New Capital O Some Texans felt Texas’ capital should be more centrally located. O In 1839, Lamar moved the capital to Austin.

Father of Education O Under Lamar, the Texas Congress set aside 18,000 acres of land in each county for public schools. O He is known as the “Father of Education.”

Financial Problems O Texas’ financial problems increased under Lamar. O Lamar used dollar bills called “Redbacks,” which became worth only 12 U.S. cents. O Texas’ public debt increased to $7 million.