3.1 Road to Revolution
Page 1: Introduction
Topic: Road to Revolution
Essential Question: When is the time right for someone to make a stand?
Page 2: The Period of the Empresarios
Early 1820s: Spain and later Mexico opened Texas for settlement
Impact of settlement:
Attracted thousands of Anglo Americans due to cheap land
Formation of new towns and growth in trade
Page 3: Tensions Rise in Texas
Protests from Anglo Americans due to governmental changes
Mexican Federalists held power in the 1820s, allowing settlers relative freedom
In 1829, Centralists took control, limiting autonomy with new regulations
Key figures: Vincente Guerrero and Anastasio Bustamante
Reference to the Constitution of 1824
Page 4: Republic of Fredonia
Declaration of Independence:
Proclaimed by Benjamin Edwards supporters on December 21, 1826
Conflict:
Dispute over lands in Nacogdoches
Haden Edwards invested $50,000 into land, leading to unrest
Joined by Richard Fields, a Cherokee chief
Page 5: Short-lived Revolution
Rebel flag bore "Independence, Liberty, Justice"
Took refuge in the Old Stone Fort
Mexican suspicions of American schemes to acquire Texas
Outcome:
Fredonian Rebellion lacked significant local support
Collapsed in January 1827 with approaching Mexican troops
Increased concern among Mexican authorities
Page 6: Mexican Inspection of Texas
General Manuel de Mier y Terán led an inspection party
Reported on American influence in Texas
Noted a substantial population of Americans in the region
Page 7: Recommendations from Terán
Suggested actions to reduce American influence:
Increase trade between Mexico and Texas
Deploy more soldiers to Texas
Encourage Mexican and European settlements
Page 8: Growing Distrust
Population dynamics: Texans outnumbering Mexicans 10 to 1
Cultural disparities: Foreign immigrants had schools; locals did not
Distrust fueled by fears of slave ownership restrictions
Page 9: Decrees and Enforcement
Mexico issued a decree halting slave importation
Texans largely ignored these decrees, reflecting tension levels
Concern among slaveholders over potential abolition of slavery
Page 10: Law of April 6, 1830
Mexican government increased surveillance on Anglo settlers
Imposed duties on foreign goods, discouraging trade
Major changes under the Law of April 6:
Stopped immigration from the U.S.
Abolished slavery
Page 11: European Immigration
Law encouraged immigration of European families with land grants
Regions of origin included Germany, France, Ireland, Poland, and Czechoslovakia
Immigrants established distinct communities contributing to Texas heritage
Page 12: Alarm Among Anglo Settlers
Anglo settlers alarmed by the Law of April 6, 1830
Reflected changing relationships between settlers and the Mexican government
Page 14: Tensions with Juan Davis Bradburn
Bradburn arrested lawyers Travis and Jack for spreading rumors
Stephen F. Austin attempted to negotiate, recognizing damaged relations
By May 1832, tensions escalated
Page 15: Texans Capture Soldiers
Texans captured Bradburn's soldiers for Travis and Jack's exchange
Two groups led by Frank W. Johnson and John Austin marched to Anahuac
Encountered a skirmish with Mexican troops
Page 16: Turtle Bayou Incident
News of Santa Anna's victory in Mexico affected Texan actions
Conflict led to formation of camps in Turtle Bayou
Context: Santa Anna was leading a Federalist revolt
Page 18: Turtle Bayou Resolutions
On June 13, 1832, resolutions declaring loyalty to Constitution and Santa Anna
Austin appointed to deliver resolutions to the Mexican government
Acknowledged Austin's significant influence
Page 19: Austin's Trip to Mexico City
By November 1833, Austin hoped for positive changes
Santa Anna agreed to some reforms after returning to the city
Page 20: Austin's Arrest
Upon suggestion of a state government, Austin was arrested by Mexican officials
His letter to San Antonio exacerbated tensions leading to his imprisonment
Page 21: Release and Return
Released on Christmas Day 1834 but barred from immediate return to Texas
Austin's views shifted due to his treatment; he returned in July 1835
His prolonged absence impacted his perspective on relations with Mexico