“Road to Revolution” Student Guide

“Roads” to use on your Infographic

Road Signs to help describe the “mood” along the way

Fredonian Rebellion (1826) The Edwards brothers attempt to create their own country, independent of Mexico in Nacogdoches (East Texas). They name the country “Fredonia,” after the word “freedom.” Many Texans do not support this plan and Mexico quickly shuts the idea down. Outcome This event made Mexico concerned about the Texans and their future plans to take over Mexican-Texas.

Mier y Teran Report (1828) Mexican officials send in a general to spy on the Texas situation. He learns that many Texans are not following Mexican law, are entering Texas illegally from the US, they are not speaking Spanish or going to Catholic church services, and are electing their own leaders. Outcome Mexico becomes concerned that they will “Lose Texas forever!” In response to the findings in the Mier y Teran Report, Mexico creates the “Law of April 6, 1830.”

Law of April 6, 1830 A series of codes (laws) passed after Texas has been spied on by a Mexican general. These laws upset Texans, as they go against much of the Mexican Constitution of 1824. Some of the laws include: 1. No more US immigration to Texas, 2. Higher customs duties (taxes) placed on US imports, 3. Anglo settlers could not bring in any more slaves into Texas, 4. Increased number of Mexican troops in Texas for intimidation and control. Outcome Anglo settlers were alarmed and outraged at these new codes (laws). Many had family members and friends that wanted to come to Texas. Many also depended on trade with the US and slave labor to earn a living. Both sides begin to distrust each other and tensions continue to rise.

Turtle Bayou Resolutions (1832) After several small skirmishes (fights) with the Mexican Army, Texans write a series of statements that said they are not rebelling against Mexico, only defending their rights under Mexico’s Constitution of 1824. The Texan colonist stated their support of General Santa Anna because he was attempting to overthrow the current Centralist Mexican President, Anastasio Bustamante, who was ignoring the rights provided in the Federalist Mexican Constitution of 1824. Santa Anna pledged to uphold the rights provided in the Constitution. . Outcome This is often considered to be the most peaceful event on the “Road to the Texas Revolution.” During this point in time, Texians had no idea that soon enough General Santa Anna would become their greatest opponent (enemy) in their fight for independence.

Arrest of Stephen F. Austin (1834) “Father of Texas” travels to Mexico City in 1833 to meet with new Mexican President Santa Anna about a plan for Texas. Frustrated with the slowness of his meetings with the government he tells officials back in Texas to start planning for a new Texas state government under Mexican control, but separated from their laws. Santa Anna sees this as an attempt for the Anglos to break away from Mexico and he puts leader in jail, outraging many Texans. Father of Texas will spend the next two years in a Mexican prison. Outcome Texians were outraged that their leader, Stephen F. Austin, was not only arrested, but imprisoned for two years. During his imprisonment, Texas leaders and colonists became more vocal and united about their dissatisfaction with Mexican authorities. Could this be the last straw?

Approximate Population of Texas, 1834 Graph #1 Approximate Population of Texas, 1834 Source: Juan Almonte, Mexican statesman, quoted in Texas: The Lone Star State, by Rupert Richardson Anglo Settlers 20,700 Slaves 1000 Mexicans 4,000 Native Texans 2500

Approximate Texas Population Growth for 1821-1845 Graph #2 Approximate Texas Population Growth for 1821-1845 Source: “Texas and Texans” textbook by Glencoe McGraw-Hill Year: Population: 1821 4000 1834 20,000 1835 35,000 1838 38,000 1845 100,000

(Approximate) Casualties from American, Mexican, and Texas Revolutions Graph #3 (Approximate) Casualties from American, Mexican, and Texas Revolutions Sources: fas.org, history.com, tshaonline.org War Causalities from both sides (Deaths only) American Revolution 4,435 Mexican Revolution 15,000 Texas Revolution 1900