Texas History Lecture 4: Mexican Texas, 1820 - 1830 - Preuss

Summary

This video explores the period when Texas was under Mexican rule, beginning with Napoleon’s control of Spain and the subsequent independence movement in Mexico. It covers key events, including Father Hidalgo’s call for independence, Mexico’s eventual independence in 1821, and the formation of the Mexican constitution. The video highlights the role of settlers, particularly Americans, under the empresario system, and Stephen F. Austin's significant contribution to colonization. Austin successfully brought thousands of settlers to Texas, shaping the early history of the region and its eventual integration into the United States.

Takeaways

• 😀 Mexico gained independence from Spain after a decade-long revolution starting with Father Miguel Hidalgo's Grito de Dolores in 1810.
• 😀 Despite Hidalgo's death, revolutionary activities continued, and Mexico ultimately declared independence in 1821.
• 😀 The Plan of Iguala, formed by military leaders including Agustín de Iturbide in 1821, was key to Mexico's independence and the subsequent formulation of a new constitution in 1824.
• 😀 Spain allowed for foreign settlement in Texas as a way to deter outside invaders, with the hope that settlers would defend the region.
• 😀 Moses Austin secured permission to bring 300 settlers to Texas under a Spanish contract, but he died shortly after, leaving the task to his son, Stephen F. Austin.
• 😀 Stephen F. Austin took over his father's contract, arriving in Texas with settlers in 1821, but faced challenges due to the lack of a clear contract with Mexico at the time.
• 😀 The Imperial Colonization Law of 1823 allowed foreign settlers to come to Texas under the new Mexican regime, though it imposed some restrictions.
• 😀 The Mexican Constitution of 1824, influenced by the U.S. Constitution, regulated colonization and further defined settlement policies.
• 😀 The Colonization Law of 1825, partially written by Stephen F. Austin, provided settlers with land, tax exemptions, and other incentives, encouraging migration from the United States.
• 😀 Stephen F. Austin was the most successful empresario in Texas, bringing in over 9,000 settlers through multiple land grants.
• 😀 Other successful empresarios included Martín de León, who founded a colony around Victoria, and Green Dewitt, among others.

Q & A

What event marked the beginning of Mexico's struggle for independence?

Mexico's struggle for independence began with Father Miguel Hidalgo issuing the 'Grito de Dolores' on September 16, 1810, calling for independence from Spain.

Who was the leader of Spain during the period when Napoleon took control of the country?

Napoleon took control of Spain in 1808, putting his brother, Joseph Bonaparte, on the throne.

What effect did Napoleon's control of Spain have on Mexico?

Napoleon's control of Spain led to instability in Mexico, where the Viceroy, José de Iturrigaray, implemented changes that contributed to the rise of revolutionary movements.

What was the role of the 'Cortes' during Spain's occupation by Napoleon?

The 'Cortes' was the Spanish Parliament, and during Napoleon's occupation, it effectively governed Spain, later writing the Constitution of 1812 that influenced changes in Mexico.

How did Mexico gain independence from Spain?

Mexico gained independence from Spain in 1821 after the Plan of Iguala, which was formulated by military leaders, and the subsequent Constitution of 1824. Spain's control weakened after King Ferdinand VII returned but failed to regain full popularity.

What was Moses Austin’s role in the settlement of Texas?

Moses Austin was granted an impresario contract by Spain in the 1820s to bring 300 settlers to Texas, but he died before fulfilling it. His son, Stephen F. Austin, later took over the contract.

Why did Mexico allow foreign settlers to come to Texas after its independence?

Mexico allowed foreign settlers in Texas as a strategic move to defend the region against potential invasions by outsiders, believing settlers would pledge allegiance to Mexico and help secure the area.

What legal framework governed the settlement of Texas after Mexico's independence?

The settlement of Texas was governed by the 1823 Imperial Colonization Law and the 1824 National Colonization Law, which regulated foreign settlement and granted land to settlers under specific conditions.

What incentives were offered to settlers under the Colonization Laws of Mexico?

Settlers under the Colonization Laws of Mexico were offered land, tax exemptions for seven years, and required to adopt Catholicism as part of their integration into the colony.

Which colony was the most successful in attracting settlers to Texas, and who was responsible for it?

Stephen F. Austin's colony was the most successful in attracting settlers to Texas, bringing in over 9,000 settlers through multiple land grants.