Challenges and Opportunities in Early Mexican Texas

The video discusses Mexico's challenges post-independence, focusing on the small Mexican population in Texas and the threat from nearby Americans. To address this, Mexico invited Americans to settle in Texas, offering land in exchange for Mexican citizenship. This led to rapid growth and economic development but also increased tensions due to cultural differences and issues like slavery. By 1830, Mexico attempted to halt American colonization, leading to further conflicts.

What was one of the major challenges Mexico faced after gaining independence from Spain?

• A large population in Texas

• Economic prosperity

• Abundant natural resources

• Threats from Spain in nearby Cuba

Why did Mexico decide to invite Americans to settle in Texas?

• To start a war with the United States

• To increase the population and control the region

• To sell land at high prices

• To convert Americans to Catholicism

What was the main attraction for Americans to move to Texas under Mexico's plan?

• Opportunities to trade with Spain

• Free education for their children

• Large amounts of land for farming

• Access to gold mines

Who led the American settlers into Texas during the 1820s?

• James Bowie

• Sam Houston

• Davy Crockett

• Stephen F. Austin

What economic activity was booming in the Southern United States that attracted settlers to Texas?

• Oil drilling

• Cotton farming

• Gold mining

• Railroad construction

What issue caused tension between American settlers and Mexican authorities?

• Religious differences

• Language barriers

• Trade restrictions

• Disagreements over slavery

What action did Mexico take in response to the rebellion by some American settlers?

• Outlawed further American colonization

• Increased military presence

• Granted independence to Texas

• Negotiated a peace treaty

By 1830, how many Americans were living in Texas?

• 1,000

• 5,000

• 20,000

• 10,000

What was a major concern for Mexican leaders about the American settlers?

• Their ability to farm

• Their language skills

• Their loyalty to Mexico

• Their religious practices

What was the outcome of Mexico's experiment with American colonization in Texas by the end of the 1820s?

• Peaceful coexistence with American Indians

• Increased tensions and eventual policy changes

• Immediate independence for Texas

• Complete success with no issues