Mexican National Era Quiz

The Mexican National era was a time when the Mexican government -

• eliminated property taxes in Texas

• abolished slavery in all Spanish colonies

• encouraged immigration to Texas

• converted Natives to Catholicism

Answer explanation

During the Mexican National era, the government actively encouraged immigration to Texas to populate and develop the region, making this the correct choice. The other options do not accurately reflect the policies of that time.

First organized group of Anglo-American immigrants in Texas.

• Original Settlers

• Gone to Texas

• New Texans

• Old Three Hundred

Answer explanation

The "Old Three Hundred" refers to the first organized group of Anglo-American settlers who received land grants in Texas from Stephen F. Austin in the early 1820s, making it the correct answer.

Which statements describe the effects of the Mexican Federal Constitution of 1824 on Texas? Select TWO correct answers.

• It created a government that put native-born Spanish citizens in charge.

• It merged the territories of Coahuila and Texas to form a new state.

• It allowed only wealthy citizens to vote in local elections.

• It established a republic and divided government power into three branches.

• It guaranteed Mexico’s immediate independence from Spain.

Answer explanation

The Mexican Federal Constitution of 1824 merged Coahuila and Texas into one state and established a republic with three branches of government, ensuring a division of power.

Who was Father Miguel Hidalgo and what role did he play in Mexican independence?

• A leader in the Mexican War of Independence who issued the Grito de Dolores.

• A Spanish general who fought against Mexican independence.

• A French diplomat who supported Mexican independence.

• A British explorer who discovered Mexico.

Answer explanation

Father Miguel Hidalgo was a key figure in the Mexican War of Independence, best known for issuing the Grito de Dolores, which called for the end of Spanish rule in Mexico and sparked the independence movement.

Why is 1821 an important date in Texas history?

• The Texas coast was mapped for the first time.

• The Cities of Gold were discovered in west Texas.

• Mission San Antonio de Valero was established.

• Mexican citizens gained independence from Spain.

Answer explanation

1821 is significant because it marks the year when Mexican citizens gained independence from Spain, which had profound implications for Texas as it transitioned from Spanish to Mexican rule.

Which empresario settled families along the Guadalupe River in present-day Gonzales?

• Moses Austin

• José Gutiérrez de Lara

• Martín De León

• Green DeWitt

Answer explanation

Green DeWitt was the empresario who settled families along the Guadalupe River in present-day Gonzales, establishing a significant colony in Texas during the early 19th century.

Which filibuster was a doctor who organized an army to invade Texas?

• James Long

• Father Miguel Hidalgo

• Philip Nolan

• Martín De León

Answer explanation

James Long was a doctor who led an expedition to invade Texas in the early 19th century, making him the correct answer. The other options, while notable figures, did not organize such an invasion.

What happened as a result of the Battle of Medina?

• Texans wanted an end to Spanish rule.

• Filibusters lost all land grants in Texas.

• Spain forced all Natives out of Texas.

• Americans took over land in east Texas.

Answer explanation

The Battle of Medina intensified Texan desires for independence from Spanish rule, as it highlighted the struggle against oppressive governance, leading to a stronger push for autonomy.

Which TWO descriptions demonstrate actions taken by the SPANISH government.

• Wrote the Constitution of 1824

• Allowed U.S. immigrants to establish colonies in Texas

• Created division between rich and poor in society

• Attempted to put down filibuster activity in Texas

Answer explanation

The Spanish government created division between rich and poor in society through land policies and social structures. Additionally, they attempted to put down filibuster activity in Texas to maintain control over the region.

Which TWO descriptions demonstrate actions taken by the MEXICAN government.

• Wrote the Constitution of 1824

• Allowed U.S. immigrants to establish colonies in Texas

• Created division between rich and poor in society

• Attempted to put down filibuster activity in Texas

Answer explanation

The Mexican government wrote the Constitution of 1824 to establish governance and allowed U.S. immigrants to settle in Texas to promote development, both significant actions in its early history.