Texas History Lecture 3: Filibusters in the Spanish Northwestern Frontier, 1800 - 1819 - Preuss

Summary

The script explores the role of American filibusters in the early 19th century, focusing on their efforts to encroach upon Spain's northern colonies. Key figures like Philip Nolan, Zebulon Pike, and Aaron Burr, as well as expeditions under President Jefferson, are discussed. These filibusters aimed to settle and take control of Spanish territories, including Texas. Additionally, the development of the cotton gin and economic factors such as the Panic of 1819 are linked to increased migration to Texas, with figures like Moses Austin facilitating the influx of settlers to the region. The geopolitical context is framed by the Adams-Onís Treaty and Mexican land policies.

Takeaways

• 😀 Filibusters, originally land pirates, were individuals who took control of land in Spanish territories in the 1800s, often through unlawful means.
• 😀 Philip Nolan, an American horse trader, made early attempts to engage with Spanish territories to gather wild horses but was arrested and killed by the Spanish in 1806.
• 😀 President Jefferson sent expeditions to map the newly acquired Louisiana territory after the purchase, including the **Freeman and Custis Expedition** and the **Zebulon Pike Expedition**.
• 😀 Aaron Burr, after killing Alexander Hamilton, plotted with James Wilkinson to create an American empire by seizing Spanish territories, but his plans failed.
• 😀 The **Neutral Ground Treaty** of 1806 was signed to prevent further American encroachment into Spanish territories by establishing a demilitarized zone.
• 😀 Early American settlers began moving into Texas, with some establishing settlements like **Jonesboro** and **Pecan Point**, though Spanish forces soon pushed them back.
• 😀 After Napoleon's defeat, some of his followers, including **Charles L'Alamin**, settled in Texas as a refuge for Napoleonic supporters.
• 😀 The **Adams-Onís Treaty** of 1819 formally set the U.S.-Mexico border and ceded U.S. claims to Texas, despite some Americans feeling betrayed by the agreement.
• 😀 The **cotton gin** revolutionized the production of cotton, making land in the Southern U.S. more valuable for cotton farming, and increased demand for slave labor.
• 😀 The land policies in Mexico, offering large amounts of land at low costs, attracted many American settlers to Texas, especially after the economic panic of 1819.
• 😀 **Moses Austin**, a Missouri land broker, successfully negotiated with the Spanish government in 1820 to bring American settlers into Texas, in hopes of solidifying Spanish control.
• 😀 The spread of cotton cultivation across the South and into Texas played a significant role in shaping the region's agricultural economy and was a major factor in the push for more land.

Q & A

What is a filibuster, and how did it relate to land expansion in the 1800s?

A filibuster originally referred to unauthorized military expeditions aimed at taking control of land, often by American settlers into Spanish territories. This term, later used in the U.S. Senate for obstructing legislation, has its roots in these early expansionist efforts.

Who was Philip Nolan, and what role did he play in American exploration during the 1800s?

Philip Nolan was an American horse trader who explored Spanish territories in the 1790s and early 1800s, seeking wild horses. He was arrested and killed in 1806 after overstaying his welcome in Spanish-controlled lands.

What was the purpose of Jefferson's expeditions into Spanish territory?

President Jefferson sent expeditions, like Lewis and Clark and the Freeman-Custis expedition, to explore the newly acquired Louisiana Territory, map boundaries, investigate Native American populations, and assess the land's potential as a route to the Pacific.

How did Zebulon Pike contribute to the exploration of the American West?

Zebulon Pike led an expedition in 1807 to find the sources of the Red and Arkansas rivers. He was arrested by Spanish forces and later provided detailed descriptions of the southwestern region, including what became known as Pikes Peak.

What was the Neutral Ground Treaty of 1806?

The Neutral Ground Treaty of 1806 created a demilitarized zone between U.S. and Spanish territories to prevent conflicts. It restricted settlement and weapons in the area to avoid tensions over American encroachment into Spanish land.

What impact did the cotton gin have on American land acquisition in the 1800s?

The cotton gin revolutionized cotton production by making it easier to process cotton, which led to a greater demand for land to grow cotton, particularly in the southern U.S. This, in turn, spurred expansion into territories like Texas, where land was cheaper.

How did the Adams-Onís Treaty of 1819 affect U.S. and Spanish relations?

The Adams-Onís Treaty of 1819 established boundaries between U.S. and Spanish territories, with the U.S. acquiring Florida and renouncing claims to Texas. This treaty was a direct result of U.S. military actions in Florida and diplomatic negotiations.

What was the significance of James Long's attempt to declare Texas independent in 1819?

James Long's attempt to declare Texas independent in 1819 was part of a broader movement to gain control of Spanish territory. Though his efforts failed, they reflected growing dissatisfaction with Spanish control over Texas and foreshadowed later attempts at independence.

Why did Moses Austin seek to bring settlers to Texas in 1820?

Moses Austin, a land broker, sought to bring settlers to Texas in 1820 after losing money in the Panic of 1819. He negotiated with the Spanish government to allow American families to settle in Texas in exchange for their loyalty to Spain and conversion to Catholicism.

How did the economic situation in the U.S. contribute to the push for land in Texas?

The Panic of 1819 caused an economic collapse in the U.S., leading many people to seek new land and opportunities in the west. The cheaper land available in Texas, under Mexican control, became an attractive option for American settlers.