2.4 The Mexican National Era

The Mexican National Era

  • Timeframe: 1821 to 1836

  • Impact: Profoundly affected the border regions between the U.S. and Mexico.

  • Cultural Conflict: The independence of Mexico created tensions as Anglo settlers began moving into Mexican territory, leading to conflicts over land, governance, and cultural differences.

Historical Background

  • Formation of Texas: Examine how the events during the Mexican National Era contributed to Texas's history and its relationship with events like the Alamo.

Anglo-American Colonization

Moses Austin's Initial Settlement Plan

  • Idea: Moses Austin sought to recover his financial losses by bringing Anglo settlers into Texas amid difficulties faced by the Spanish government in recruiting settlers.

  • Background: He created the first Anglo-American settlement west of the Mississippi in Missouri, originally part of Spanish Louisiana.

  • Financial Troubles: A depression in the 1810s led to significant debts for Austin.

Exploration and Settlement Actions

  • Initial Exploration: In 1821, Austin explored Texas and identified land between the Colorado and Brazos Rivers as suitable for farming.

  • Stephen F. Austin: After his father's death, Stephen F. Austin took over the mission to settle the land, proposing a cheap price of 12.5 cents per acre for land purchases.

Challenges Faced by Austin

  • Return to Texas in 1823: On returning, Austin encountered multiple issues:

    • Chaos in the new Mexican government after independence from Spain in 1821.

    • Delays in negotiations for settlement approval with these new government structures.

    • Challenges including drought, land disputes, and conflicts with Native Americans.

Requirements for New Settlers

  • Mexico's Criteria: New settlers were required to:

    1. Have a good reputation.

    2. Be Catholic.

    3. Willing to become Spanish citizens.

  • Transport and Promotion: Austin arranged transport for colonists via a ship named Lively and actively advertised in Southern U.S. newspapers.

Growth of Colonies

  • Colonization Laws: Passage of the State Colonization Law of 1825, allowing:

    1. Colonists to buy land cheaply.

    2. No taxes for the first few years.

    3. Requirements for moral behavior and Catholicism.

  • Role of Empresarios: Land agents known as empresarios helped facilitate the settlement process.

Conflict Between Centralists and Federalists

  • Two Political Groups: Centralists believed in a strong central government while Federalists wanted shared power with states.

  • Post-Independence Struggles: Power struggles emerged after Mexico's independence, leading to conflicts over governance.

Constitution of 1824

  • New Government Formation: Overthrew of Emperor Agustin de Iturbide led to a Federalist establishment.

  • Constitution Features:

    • Similarities and differences compared to the U.S. Constitution, such as:

      • Establishment of Catholicism as the state religion.

      • Limited rights regarding slavery in contrast to the U.S. Constitution.

      • Power allocation and branches of government designed for a federal structure.

Austin's Successful Colonization

  • Establishing San Felipe de Austin: In 1824, San Felipe became the unofficial capital of the colony, highlighting the effectiveness of Austin's leadership.

  • Formation of Communities: Austin created multiple colonies, including a new one establishing Bastrop.

The Old 300

  • Pioneers Chosen: Austin aimed to select educated and wealthy individuals, termed "The Old 300," to ensure reliability among the first settlers.

Demographic Composition of the Colonies

  • Origins of Settlers: Most of the first settlers hailed from various states such as Missouri, Louisiana, and Alabama, reflecting a mix of backgrounds.

  • Slavery and Enslaved Population: By 1825, a significant portion (¼) of the Austin colony comprised enslaved African Americans, despite Mexico's opposition to slavery.

Cultural Clashes

  • Emerging Tensions: A contrasting culture developed as Anglo settlers prioritized different goals and mindsets compared to existing Mexican and Native American populations.

Project Instructions: Texas Settlement Magazine

  • Magazine Components: Create a magazine covering significant events related to Texas settlements, including:

    1. Cover designs.

    2. A timeline of key causes/battles/events.

    3. In-depth articles on the colonization of Texas.

    4. Exploration of concepts of "Principles over Feelings" and distinctions between persuasion and propaganda.

Texas Settlement Timeline

  • Key Events: Include significant historical events from the 1400s through 1825, highlighting their impacts on Texas settlement and cultural dynamics.