Study Notes on Early American Expansion and the Texas Colony

Takers

The Rush-Bagot Treaty of 1817

  • Impact:
    • Two significant outcomes resulted from the Rush-Bagot Treaty of 1817:
    • Limited naval armaments on the Great Lakes.
    • Fostered peaceful relations between the United States and Great Britain in North America.

American Interest in Florida

  • Motivation for Control:
    • Americans sought control of Florida primarily because many enslaved individuals escaped to Florida, and Americans hoped to reclaim them.

Andrew Jackson's Actions in 1818

  • Disobedience:
    • Andrew Jackson disobeyed orders in 1818 by undertaking four major actions:
    1. Marched into Florida.
    2. Captured Spanish forts.
    3. Targeted Spanish generals.
    4. Engaged in violent confrontations, resulting in the deaths of individuals in the area.

Spain-United States Agreement of 1819

  • Spanish Cession:
    • In 1819, an agreement was reached between Spain and the United States in which Spain ceded Florida to America, formally transferring control of the territory.

U.S. Interest in Claiming Mexico (1803)

  • Agricultural Potential:
    • The United States aimed to claim Mexico in 1803 because the land was considered well-suited for cotton cultivation, a valuable cash crop at the time.

Moses Austin's Challenge in Texas

  • Failure to Establish Colony:
    • Moses Austin was unable to establish his colony in Mexican-controlled Texas due to his untimely death, which halted his plans.

Establishment of Colony by Stephen F. Austin

  • Succession of Leadership:
    • Following his father's death, it was his son, Stephen F. Austin, who continued and successfully established the colony in Texas.

American Frustrations with Mexico and Tejanos

  • Reasons for Discontent:
    • Americans expressed frustration toward Mexico and Tejanos for three main reasons:
    1. Americans disliked taking orders from foreign authorities.
    2. They were unhappy about the necessity to follow laws that they felt were foreign to their interests.
    3. There was significant resentment regarding the institution of slavery, with many Americans opposed to the Mexican government discouraging slavery.

Tejanos' Frustrations with Americans

  • Reasons for Discontent:
    • Tejanos had their frustrations with Americans who moved into the territory, and these frustrations compiled three core points:
    1. Americans came into their land without seeking permission first.
    2. There was little respect shown by the newcomers for Tejano culture and traditions.
    3. The influx of American settlers threatened the socio-cultural fabric of their established community and lifestyle.