TEXAS REVOLUTION DISCUSSION

TEXAS REVOLUTION

Word Cloud

Write down any words or phrases you associate with the Spanish way of colonization in places like Texas. Think about how Spain established settlements, interacted with Native Americans, and built structures like missions. Example Towns, land acquisition.

You have 5 minutes to write your answers.

From Spanish rule to Independence

Word Cloud

Think about Spain’s colonization strategy in Texas. What words or phrases come to mind when you consider the role of missions, presidios, and towns? Example for Missions - religion, presidios - protection towns - agriculture. Try it for yourself!

A. Spanish Settlements in the Southwest

• Early 1700s: Spain's colony in Mexico thriving

• Northern territories (including Texas) sparsely populated

• Spanish government's goal: Secure claims in the Southwest

Multiple Choice

In the early 1700s, why did Spain establish settlements in the northern territories like modern-day Texas?

• A. To compete with British colonies for trade routes.

• B. To secure their claims to the land and prevent losing the territory.

• C. To exploit the large population of Native Americans for labor.

• D. To establish large, densely populated colonies like those on the East Coast.

Types of Spanish Settlements

• Missions: Religious settlements where priests taught Native Americans about Christianity and Spanish culture. Native Americans also grew crops for themselves and the priests.

• Presidios: Forts built to protect missions from attacks. Soldiers stationed at presidios defended the priests and locals.

• Towns (Pueblos): Settlements where Spanish citizens lived, grew crops, and raised cattle. Each settlement had to be self-sufficient.

Multiple Choice

What was the main purpose of presidios in Spanish settlements during the early 1700s?

• A. To serve as trading hubs for Spanish citizens.

• B. To convert Native Americans to Christianity.

• C. To protect missions and settlements from attacks.

• D. To raise cattle and grow crops for local towns.

The Rise of Mexican Independence

• In the early 1800s, Mexicans sought to overthrow Spanish rule.

• In September 1810, Father Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla led a rebellion with approximately 80,000 poor Indians and mestizos.

• Although Hidalgo's revolt failed, it sparked a larger movement. By 1821, Mexico gained independence and adopted a republican constitution.

Multiple Choice

What was the outcome of Father Miguel Hidalgo’s 1810 rebellion in Mexico?

• A. It successfully overthrew Spanish rule.

• B. It sparked a larger movement that eventually led to Mexico’s independence.

• C. It resulted in the establishment of a monarchy in Mexico.

• D. It led to the immediate adoption of Mexico’s republican constitution.

Settlers in Texas

• The new Mexican government contracted with empresarios to bring settlers to Texas, rewarding them with land.

• Stephen F. Austin started a Texas colony in 1821 with the first 300 families known as the Old Three Hundred.

• Texians (mostly Anglo-American settlers) and Tejanos (Mexican residents) began to form distinct communities in Texas.

Multiple Choice

What was the role of empresarios in early Texas settlement?

• They acted as military leaders to defend settlers from Native American attacks.

• They worked to convert Native Americans to Christianity.

• They brought settlers to Texas in exchange for land grants from the Mexican government.

• They helped establish the first Texas towns, including San Antonio and Austin.

Tensions Rise

• Texians were required to follow Mexican laws, but many ignored them, particularly regarding slavery.

• In 1830, Mexico banned further American settlement due to concerns over control.

• Under General Antonio Lopez De Santa Anna, who suspended the republican constitution, Texans felt their rights were threatened and began to rally for independence.

Multiple Choice

Why did tensions between the Texians and the Mexican government increase in the 1830s?

• The Mexican government encouraged more American settlers to move to Texas.

• General Santa Anna promoted a more democratic government that angered Texians.

• The Mexican government granted Texians more political power and autonomy.

• Texians ignored Mexican laws, particularly regarding slavery, and resisted a ban on further settlement.

Multiple Select

How confident are you in understanding how Spain's strategy of settling in Texas through missions, presidios, and towns affected the relationships between Spanish settlers, Native Americans, and the land?

• Very confident

• Somewhat confident

• Not very confident

• Not confident at all