Event/Causes of the Texas Revolution

Fredonian Rebellion 1826

 

A group of settlers in the town of Fredonia declared independence from Mexico. The Republic of Fredonia was ready to fight. But the rebellion collapsed when Mexican troops arrived. Many colonists, including Stephen F. Austin, did not support this rebellion.

How did the colonist react?

• The colonists were furious because they believed the arrest of Austin, an important leader, was unfair.

• Colonists were angry with Mexican government and gathered more support for independence

• Colonists were angry and felt their rights were violated. They also worried about more taxes.

• Most colonists did not support the Fredonian Rebellion. They continued to support the Mexican government.

Mier y Teran Report 1829

 

The Fredonian Rebellion worried Mexican officials so they sent Manuel Mier y Teran to gather information about the growing American influence on Texas. His report urged Mexico to place more troops in Anglo settlements and recruit more European and Mexican settlers to Texas.

How did the colonist react?

• The colonists were furious because they believed the arrest of Austin, an important leader, was unfair.

• Colonists were upset that their “American influence” caused Mexico to send more troops.

• Colonists were angry and felt their rights were violated. They also worried about more taxes.

• Most colonists did not support the Fredonian Rebellion. They continued to support the Mexican government.

Law of April 6, 1830

 

In response to Mier y Teran's report, the Mexican government passed a new law. The law prohibited the immigration of any more Americans into Texas, placed taxes on goods coming into Texas from the U.S., prohibited slavery, and sent even more Mexican troops to Texas.

How did the colonist react?

• The colonists were furious because they believed the arrest of Austin, an important leader, was unfair.

• Colonists were upset that their “American influence” caused Mexico to send more troops.

• Colonists were angry and felt their rights were violated. They also worried about more taxes.

• Most colonists did not support the Fredonian Rebellion. They continued to support the Mexican government.

Turtle Bayou Resolutions 1832

 

Anglo-American settlers rebelled against the Mexican government and its violations of the Mexican Constitution of 1824. They wrote the Turtle Bayou Resolutions, pledging support for the constitution and urging all Texians to oppose the Mexican government.

How did the colonist react?

• The colonists were furious because they believed the arrest of Austin, an important leader, was unfair.

• Colonists were upset that their “American influence” caused Mexico to send more troops.

• Colonists were angry and felt their rights were violated. They also worried about more taxes.

• Colonists were angry with Mexican government and gathered more support for independence

Stephen F. Austin’s Arrest 1834

 

Austin was arrested in the city of Saltillo. When the Mexican government discovered Austin was fighting for Texas to be an independent state, they arrested him. He remained a prisoner for a year.

How did the colonist react?

• The colonists were furious because they believed the arrest of Austin, an important leader, was unfair.

• Colonists were upset that their “American influence” caused Mexico to send more troops.

• Colonists were angry and felt their rights were violated. They also worried about more taxes.

• Colonists were angry with Mexican government and gathered more support for independence

Issue Tariff's: If you are Mexican citizen, you should support the Mexican nation. This means that you should trade with Mexican companies. We only tax American goods so that you will buy from Mexican companies. Whose point of view?

• Colonist/Texans

• Mexican Government

Issue Tariff's: Most Mexican companies are too far from where we live. You should let us buy from U.S. companies closer to us without paying higher taxes. This tax is unfair. Whose point of view?

• Colonist/Texans

• Mexican Government

Issue Slavery: Slavery is not allowed in Mexico—plain and simple. We haven’t permitted slavery since 1829. It is a cruel establishment. People should not be treated as property. Whose point of view?

• Colonist/Texans

• Mexican Government

Issue Slavery: Slavery is legal in the U.S., so we should be able to bring our slaves to Mexico. They are our property. We own them so we should be able to take them wherever we wish. Whose point of view?

• Colonist/Texans

• Mexican Government

Issue Government: When you moved to Mexico, you knew the government would be different than the U.S. It is silly of you to think that we will change our government for a mere 30,000 colonists. Whose point of view?

• Colonist/Texans

• Mexican Government