Mexican National Unit Preview
What European Country controlled Mexico before 1821?_______________________________
Powers in North America Change
In 1763, Great Britain won the Seven Years' War defeating France. Because of the loss, France lost most of
their possessions in North America, which meant that France was no longer a colonial power in North
America. Without the French threat, Spanish officials believed there was no need for their government to
maintain its remote missions and forts in Texas. Spain ordered settlers in East Texas to leave their homes and
move to the missions at San Antonio and Goliad for protection. Spain tried to decrease the amount of money
they had to spend to protect settlers and support religious missionaries and soldiers.
Main Idea: ___________________________________________________________________________________
How did the change of powers in North America directly affect the settlements in Texas? ______________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
The United States Becomes involved with Texas
In 1776 the United States gained its independence from Great Britain and became a power in North America.
In 1803 the US bought Louisiana from France to expand its borders for the growing country. This brought the
United States in direct contact with Spanish territories. Many thought that the Louisiana territory included
parts of Texas. This led to a boundary dispute between the United States and Spain that resulted in the
Adams-Onís Treaty in 1819. Spain transferred Florida to the United States. In return, the United States
surrendered all claims to Texas. Despite the agreement, many Americans began drifting into Texas. Some of
those that came were filibusters which wanted to spy on Spanish Texas and see if Texas could be taken from
Spanish control. Spanish soldiers ultimately defeated the filibusters' attempts to take Texas though it made
Spain suspicious of American intentions.
Main Idea: ____________________________________________________________________________________
Define: Filibusters: __________________________________________________________
Adams-Onis Treaty: __________________________________________________________
Mexicans Fight for Independence in Texas
In 1810, Father Miguel Hidalgo led a group of poor Mexicans to rebel against the royal Spanish government of
Mexico. Despite early successes, Hidalgo was eventually captured and executed. The rebellion against
Spanish control of Mexico would continue though. In 1812 Bernardo Gutierrez de Lara, a follower of Father
Hidalgo, went to the United States to seek money and supplies to help the rebellion. Gutierrez de Lara
decided to invade Texas with the help of an American army officer, Augustus Magee. The army the two
leaders built was successful in capturing Nacogdoches, Goliad, and San Antonio. Despite the victories the
Mexicans and Americans argued over the type of government and the degree of independence to declare.
Spain sent a Loyalist army under the command of General Arredondo to defeat the Revolutionary army of
Gutierrez de Lara. The Loyalist army destroyed the Revolutionary army killing most on the battle field and
executing any survivors. Arredondo also executed settlers in San Antonio and East Texas who he thought
helped the Revolutionary forces.
Main Idea: ______________________________________________________________________________________
How did America get involved in the Mexican War for Independence?_________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________
Was the Gutierrez-Magee expedition successful? ____________________________________________________
Mexico Wins Independence
The battle between Revolutionaries and Loyalists continued until 1821 when several key Loyalist leaders
changed sides. Mexico became independent from Spain in 1821 though Spain would try to regain the country
several times. The province of Texas became part of the new country of Mexico. Mexico’s desire for
independence was inspired by winning of American independence, and the building of Mexican government
was influenced by the American constitution and its freedoms. Also in 1821, Stephen F Austin would become
the first Anglo empresario to come to Texas to build up the settlements and help bring settlers to Texas.
Main Idea: _________________________________________________________________________________
Define: Empresario: ______________________________________________________________________
Loyalist: __________________________________________________________________
Revolutionary: _____________________________________________________________
Spanish Legacy
Texas had not been developed as much as other Spanish colonies due to its remote location and lack of gold or
wealth. The only significant settlements were San Antonio, Nacogdoches, and Goliad, but most of Texas was
still under the control of various Native American cultures including the most powerful Comanches. Although
Spain did not populate the region, it did leave its mark on Texas. Many Texas rivers and cities bear Spanish
names. Spaniards laid out the first roads, such as El Camino Real (The Royal Road). Spanish vaqueros
introduced many ranching practices and made the first long cattle drives. The Spaniards also brought their
language, their architecture, their systems of law and government, and their religion to Texas.
Main Idea: _________________________________________________________________________________
Spanish influences on language: Match the English translation to the Spanish name.
nuts
big river
1.
3.
5.
7.
9.
hard stick
yellow
Brazos river- ______________
San Antonio- ______________
Nueces River-_____________
Padre Island-______________
Rio Grande- ______________
father
Cypress tree
cottonwood trees
the pass
Saint Anthony
Arms
2. Alamo- ________________________
4. Palo Duro Canyon-__________________
6. Amarillo-______________________
8. Sabine River-_______________________
10. El Paso- ____________________________
What other Spanish influences do you see in Texas? __________________________________________________