Texas Government Chapter 1

Six Flags over Texas

Refers to the six nations that have claimed sovereignty over Texas throughout history: Spain, France, Mexico, the Republic of Texas, the Confederate States of America, and the United States.

Impresarios

Individuals who were granted the right to settle on land in exchange for recruiting and settling a certain number of settlers in Texas.

Moses Austin

The first impresario to receive a land grant from Spain to settle 300 families in Texas.

Stephen F. Austin

Son of Moses Austin who continued his father's work settling Texas after Moses' death.

Texas Revolution

A rebellion in 1835-1836 in which Texas colonists rebelled against the Mexican government, leading to Texas' independence.

Santa Anna

The president of Mexico during the Texas Revolution, known for his military leadership and centralist policies.

Alamo

A historic mission in San Antonio where a pivotal battle occurred during the Texas Revolution, resulting in the death of all Texan defenders.

Republic of Texas

The independent nation formed by Texas after its revolution against Mexico in 1836, lasting until its annexation by the United States.

Adams-Onís Treaty

An 1819 agreement in which Spain ceded Florida to the U.S. and established a boundary between the U.S. and New Spain (Mexico).

Annexation

The process of officially incorporating a territory into a country; Texas petitioned for annexation to the United States after its independence.

Slavery Legislation

Laws regarding the legality of slavery, which became a key issue during Texas' petition for annexation to the United States.

Red River

The boundary established by the Adams-Onís Treaty which divided U.S. territory from New Spain (Mexico).

Rio Grande

The river designated as the southern border of Texas after it gained independence; later disputed by Mexico.

Gonzales

The location of an early conflict during the Texas Revolution where Texan forces resisted disarmament by Mexican troops.

Sam Houston

Leader of the Texan army during the Texas Revolution and the first elected president of the Republic of Texas.

Declaration of Causes

A document sent by Texas delegates that expressed their grievances and reasons for seeking independence from Mexico.

Constitution of the Republic of Texas

The governing document established by Texas after declaring independence, which included provisions for legal slavery.

Mexican Federal System

The governmental structure in Mexico prior to Santa Anna's change to a unitary system that centralized control.

Texian

Term used to refer to an Anglo-American citizen of Texas, particularly during the period of the Texas Revolution.

Battle of San Jacinto

A decisive battle in the Texas Revolution where Texian forces led by Sam Houston defeated Santa Anna's army, securing Texas independence.

Cotton Economy

The economic system in the Southern United States that relied heavily on slave labor for the cultivation of cotton.

Nacogdoches

A historically significant town in Texas; site of early Texian resistance against Mexican authority.

Federalism

A political system in which power is divided between a national government and various regional governments.

Filibuster

Unauthorised military expeditions into foreign countries, often used in the context of American adventurers in Mexico and Texas.

Spain

Flag that flew over Texas from 1519-1685 and 1690-1821

France

Flag that flew over Texas from 1685-1690

Mexico

Flag that flew over Texas from 1821-1836

Republic of Texas

Flag that flew over Texas from 1836-1845

Confederate States of America

Flag that flew over Texas from 1861-1865

United States of America

Flag that flew over Texas from 1845-1861 and 1865-present