1. Rich soil for growing cotton and corn 2. Grassy plants for grazing animals. 3. Rivers leading to natural ports on the Gulf of Mexico.

 Mexican priest led a rebellion of poor Indians and Mestizos (Spanish & Indian mix)

 1821 won its independence from Spain

 1822 started a colony of American settlers in Mexican Texas.

 Become Mexican citizens  Become members of the Catholic Church  No Slavery allowed

 Battle of Gonzales 1835 Texas won  Battle of the Alamo 1836 Mexico won  Battle of Goliad 1836 Mexico won  Battle of San Jacinto 1836 Texas won the war

 Are people of Spanish heritage who consider Texas their home.  Tejanos sided with Americans

 The U.S. did not want Texas to join the Union because it will upset the balance of free vs. slaves states  Fear of war with Mexico if the U.S. annexes (claims) Texas as a state.