The Tensions Mount…
Events That Lead to The
Independence of Texas
Law of April 6, 1830
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Strained the relationship between the Texas
Colonists and the Mexican Government.
Mexico sent more troops to collect the taxes.
(Similar to the American Revolution?)
At this time, Santa Anna revolted against
President Bustamante and gained control of
Mexico.
Santa Anna and Texas
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Santa Anna sent an emissary to Stephen F.
Austin to assure him that he supported state
rights.
That was not true, though.
Santa Anna wanted all power centralized in
himself, and Texans would soon discover this.
Anahuac and Turtle Bayou
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William B. Travis was arrested when he
disagreed with the Mexican government over
land titles in Texas.
Protesters came to Anahuac, where he was
being held, to demand his release,
They were promised that he would be, but he
was not.
The settlers camped at Turtle Bayou.
Turtle Bayou, cont.
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Colonist John Austin went to get a cannon in
case of a battle.
The settlers decided to draft a resolution called
the Turtle Bayou Resolution. It pledged
support to Mexico and Santa Anna.
Travis was released.
Battle of Velasco
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Austin, who did not know about the resolution,
returned with his cannon.
On the return, he was stopped and detained at
Velasco.
A struggle began, and for the first time, Mexicans and
colonists shot at one another.
The colonists prevailed, and the Mexicans were
forced to surrender.
When they reached Anahuac, they learned that the
conflict had already been resolved. (Ruh-roh!)
Convention of 1832
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Granted Texas statehood.
Extended tax exemption.
Modified the Law of April 6, 1830 to allow for more
immigration.
Appointed a land commissioner to issue land titles.
Donated government lands for schools.
Established a plan to create militias.
Created committees to oversee the welfare and safety
of Texas.
Convention of 1833
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Same as 1832 with some additions.
Provided for judicial reform.
Establish mail service.
Provided for defense against native American
raids.
Stop African slave trade in Texas.
Resolved to create a state constitution.
Stephen F. Austin and Santa Anna
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Austin traveled to Mexico and met with Santa
Anna.
Santa Anna accepted most of the proposals on
the Conventions.
He did reject statehood for Texas.
Austin sent a letter back to Texas suggesting
they form a state of their own anyway.
Austin Is Arrested
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On his way home, Austin was arrested for
sending the letter.
It was considered treason against Mexico.
He spent a year in prison.
His imprisonment caused much tension and
unrest between Mexico and the Texas
colonists. (Hear those cannons on the
distance?)