The Mexican National Era

1. The Mexican National Era Settlement in Texas

2. Failure of Spain • The mission system Spain had used to colonize Texas had very limited success. • The Native Americans in Texas refused to give up their lifestyles and adopt the Spanish culture. • Spain then tried to bring in colonists from other territories, but there was simply too much land.

3. France Leaves • Napoleon was trying to establish France’s domination over Europe • He gave up his claims in the New World to Spain • After years of fighting in Europe, France wanted its land back only to sell it to the US (Louisiana Purchase) for $15 million

4. Spain Worries • While France had been in the New World it had prevented the movement of Americans into Spanish controlled land. • After the Louisiana purchase that threat became a reality. • Spanish citizens in Mexico were also becoming upset with the Spanish government

5. Father Hidalgo • Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla – not the same priest who worked with the Caddo • This Hidalgo was a local parish priest in Mexico who worked hard to help his people become self sufficient • After years of being oppressed (treated harshly and given few freedoms) Hidalgo called for Mexican independence from Spain

6. Grito de Dolores • In September of 1810 Father Hidalgo gathered his parishioners and gave a speech that ignited the Mexican fight for independence • Hidalgo was captured by the Spanish army in 1811 and sent to Mexico City where he was executed. • His efforts were not in vain – the Mexican people continued to fight and won their independence in 1821

7. Mexican Fight for Independence • After the death of Father Hidalgo many others took up his cause • Jose Bernardo Gutierrez and Augustus Magee organized the Republic of the North and declared Texas independent of Spain • Although they were quickly defeated their efforts encouraged others to fight to free Mexico and Texas from Spain

8. Mexican Fight for Independence • After the failed Gutierrez-Magee Expedition – Dr. James Long lead a group into Texas from Mississippi and captured Nacogdoches • The group continued to San Antonio and proclaimed Texas free and independent from Spain • The Spanish Army responded swiftly and defeated the Long expedition

9. Mexico is Free • After years of revolutionary war Mexico won its independence in 1821 • Now Mexico attempts to settle Texas by allowing Anglo colonization of the area

10. Empresarios • Land in the newly formed United States was expensive • Land in the Texas was cheap • The Spanish government wanted the land settled to establish its claim • The Spanish government agreed to allow Anglos (from the US) to bring in settlers

11. Moses Austin • Having gained and lost a fortune in the US – Moses Austin was hoping to regain his wealth by bringing settlers from the US into Texas • Moses Austin – with the help from prominent Spanish citizen, Erasmo Seguin, gained approval from the Spanish government in 1820 to bring 300 families into Texas.

12. Stephen F Austin • Before he could fulfill his contract Moses Austin died • His son, Stephen, agreed to carryout his fathers dream • He met with the newly formed Mexican government and gained approval to bring the 300 families to Texas

13. Stephen F Austin • Austin gathered his families and in 1821 settled them along the Brazos, Colorado, and San Bernard Rivers • Each family Austin brought had to • agree to adopt the Catholic faith • Become first Spanish (when Mexico and Texas belonged to Spain) and then Mexican citizens • Be in good standing with the community

14. Other Empresarios • After the success of Stephen F Austin, others decided to make their fortune by bringing Anglo settlers into Mexico • Soon the cheap land became home to numerous Anglos who had made promises they were not keeping • Mexico was in danger of losing Texas