2.3 Mexico Gains Independence

Mexico Gains Independence

• Essential Question: Who decides when goals, motivations, or behavior are "good" or "bad"?

Key Terms and Concepts

• Negotiate: To obtain or bring about by discussion.

• Cede: To give up power or territory.

• Treaty: An agreement between countries to stop fighting.

• Rebellion: An act of violent or open resistance to an established government or ruler.

• Territory: An area of land under the jurisdiction of a ruler or state.

Changing Borders and Alliances

• European countries (Austria, Prussia, Spain) played key roles due to alliances.

• Great Britain won the Seven Years' War (1756–1763), gaining control of Canada and lands east of the Mississippi River.

• The Seven Years' War was a conflict primarily between Great Britain and France, both vying for control over North America.

• Sentiment: Desire for European powers to withdraw from the region.

Spanish Influence in Texas

• Spanish concerns waned over the French threat in East Texas after acquiring Louisiana.

• Marqué de Rubí conducted a significant inspection of East Texas missions, traveling over 7,500 miles.

• Following his inspection, Rubí questioned the necessity of East Texas missions and presidios.

Changes in Settlements

• East Texans opposed proposed changes; leader Gil Y’Barbo sought permission to return to former homes.

• Rubí recommended abandoning most Texas missions except those at San Antonio and Goliad, relocating settlers there.

• In 1773, Governor Barón de Ripperdá ordered the closure of the last East Texas missions and relocation of settlers.

Establishment of Bucareli

• Establishment of Bucareli, named after a Spanish general, faced challenges like crop failures and conflict with Comanche.

• In 1779, Y’Barbo led settlers back into East Texas timberlands against government permission.

Spain, the United States, and Texas

• The revolutionary atmosphere in the British colonies affected Spanish Texas.

• In the 1770s, Bernardo de Gálvez, military governor of Louisiana, supported American troops against Britain.

• The American Revolution saw thirteen colonies declare independence on July 4, 1776.

Military Actions during the American Revolution

• Spain entered the war in 1779; Gálvez raised an army to support American forces.

• His army successfully forced British troops from strategic locations along the Gulf of Mexico.

Treaty Developments

• In 1800, Spain returned control of Louisiana to France.

• The Louisiana Purchase (1803) allowed the U.S. to expand and caused a border dispute with Texas.

Border Disputes

• U.S. claimed the Sabine River as the boundary between Texas and Louisiana as thousands moved into the area.

• Tensions persisted between Spanish and American authorities over territory leading to militarization and diplomatic resolutions.

Neutral Ground Agreement

• A declaration established that the disputed lands would be Neutral Ground to avoid conflict.

• The U.S. surrendered all claims to Texas while no nation governed the Neutral Ground from 1806 to 1819.

Adams-Onís Treaty

• Signed in 1819, this treaty settled border disputes, establishing the Sabine River as Texas's eastern boundary, and Spain ceded Florida to the U.S.

Migration into Spanish Texas

• Many American migrants into Spanish Texas were farmers and traders, while some were military adventurers or filibusters.

• Notable figure: Philip Nolan, who tragically died in conflict over suspected espionage.

Economic Difficulties and Calls for Rebellion

• Spanish economic policies, such as seizing church funds, led to resentment among colonists.

• Father Miguel Hidalgo issued a call for rebellion in 1810, sparking the Mexican War of Independence with his "Cry of Dolores."

Continued Efforts for Independence

• José Bernardo Gutiérrez de Lara sought U.S. support for independence efforts after Hidalgo's execution.

• He inspired continued resistance against Spanish rule despite setbacks.

Battle of Medina

• The Battle of Medina was a significant and bloody conflict in Texas history, with Republicans facing a severe defeat against the Spanish army, leading to major losses.

• The aftermath included the imprisonment of many and loss of hope for the Republican cause in Texas.

Settlement Plans by Moses Austin

• Moses Austin sought permission to establish a colony in Texas after the Adams-Onís Treaty clarified Spanish claims.

• His initial request was denied, but a pivotal meeting with Barón de Bastrop set the stage for future colonization efforts.

Transition to a New Era

• Gutiérrez de Lara's plans to liberate Texas were supported by the U.S.; the Treaty of Córdoba in 1821 ended Spanish rule.

• This marked the end of 300 years of Spanish colonial claims in Texas.