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OPTICS

You have 10 minutes to complete the OPTICS page. Be ready to share (randomly) and earn PEACE Bucks!!

1810-1821

Mexican Independence

VocabularyEquality – the same rights for all peopleRebellion – fighting against the governmentDictator – government leader with total authorityGrants – gifts of landEmpresario – a person given a grant by Mexican

government to bring settlers to TexasMilitia – a group of unpaid people that acts as an

army formed to keep orderTejanos – Mexican settlers in TexasBilingual – able to speak two languagesTitle – the ownership of land or propertyAnglos – people whose ancestors are from Britain;

or white people.

Stephen F. Austin Goes to Texas

After the death of Moses Austin, his son, Stephen F. Austin, is determined to carry out his father’s plans to settle Texas

This statue of Stephen F. Austin, the father of Texas, is located in the south entry hall of the Texas

Capitol.

The Fall of New SpainIn 1808 Napoleon Bonaparte

took over Spain and removed the king of Spain from the throne. He placed his own brother as the ruler of Spain. Spain no longer had a strong leader.

Royalists, people who were born in New Spain, but had ancestors from Spain, and Spanish-born (those from Spain) began fighting each other for control of Mexico.

Neither group wanted the Indians or the mestizos to have power.

Father Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla

On September 16, 1810, he gave a speech, the Grito de Dolores, demanding equality and same rights for ALL people in Mexico.

He led the Indians and mestizos against the Spanish Government.

He was captured, tried and executed.

Fighting begins again …

Ten years later, in 1820, fighting began again.

This time, Agustin de Iturbide announced the Plan de Iguala which sought to make Mexico Independent.

Many people, including some Spanish soldiers, agreed.

Widespread rebellion eventually forced Spain to give up control of Mexico.

Outside help for Mexican Independence

Dr. James Long led an expedition, in September of 1819, from Mississippi into Texas to help drive out the Spanish.

His wife, Jane Long, vowed to wait for him to return to Galveston.

Except for Jane, her 6-year old daughter, and a 12-year old servant, the fort was deserted as soon as supplies ran out.

Jane Long gave birth to her third child.Dr. Long was killed during the expedition and

never returned; so, Jane left the area the following March.

Because of her devotion to her family and staying during the long winter, Jane Long is known as the “Mother of Texas”.

More Outside HelpA French pirate that

attacked Spanish ships in the Gulf of Mexico.

He helped develop and had complete control of Galveston Island for a long period of time.

Jean Lafitte

Stephen F. Austin Goes to Texas

August 1821: Stephen F. Austin first arrives in

San AntonioBoth the mayor of San

Antonio and the governor of Texas

welcomed him

Stephen F. Austin Goes to Texas

Erasmo Seguin was the mayor of San

Antonio when Stephen F. Austin first arrived there

Tejanos SettlersUnder new Mexican law, Coahuila and Texas

were a single state.Most people in Texas were natives of Mexico.When Spain was in charge, many Mexican

settlers moved into Texas.These settlers, Tejanos, lived in San Antonio de

Bexar, La Bahia del Espiritu Santo and Nacogdoches.

Some Tejanos began farms and ranches. One of the moste well-known Tejano ranchers

was Erasmo Seguin. He and his son, Juan Seguin, helped the “Texians”, as some Americans that moved into Texas called themselves.

Many Tejanos, who were loyal to Spain, left Texas.

The remaining Tejanos became loyal to the new Mexican government.

Juan Seguin

Settlements in Texas

Years of fighting in Mexico had destroyed Spanish missions and presidio buildings in Texas.

Farming and ranching nearly stopped.The city of Nacogdoches was turned into a ghost

town. Fewer people lived in Texas.Mexico feared it would lose Texas to the United

States because so few people lived there.

Austin Readies His Colony

Austin explores the land east of San Antonio

Picked rich farmland in the area of the Brazos and Colorado rivers

mild climate, fertile soil, water, timber, wild game, near coast

Stephen F. Austin Goes to Texas

Mexico had won its independence from Spain since Moses Austin’s contract had been approved

A new contract would have to be worked out with the Mexican government

Great Offer for US Citizens

By 1820, it was difficult to buy land in the US because land prices were high and money was scarce.

Land in US was $1.25 per acreUS law required a min of 80 acresPrice of land had to be paid in full and in

cashAustin allowed people to pay fees with goodsHe also allowed people to pay fees over time

Austin Sets SailLively — ship upon which Austin’s first

colonists sailed1821: The colonists on the Lively

brought mostly seeds, tools, and building materials

The Lively misses its destinationSecond voyage — wrecks near GalvestonGovernor Martinez tells Austin he will

have to reconfirm his contract with the Mexican government

Austin Goes to Mexico City

March 1822: Austin goes to Mexico City to convince the government to approve his colony

However, he finds the government is struggling to organize — had little time for Texas matters

Mexican Texas

In 1822 the Emperor of Mexico, Agustin I, ruled with complete power as a dictator.

Within a year, he was removed from power by another rebellion.

In the following years, Mexico had several other leaders.

Imperial Colonization Law

January 1823: the Mexican government passed the Imperial Colonization Law —made Austin’s land grants secure

Grants given to Texas

The new Mexican government began working with Empresarios, giving them land grants (gifts of land) in order to bring settlers to Texas.

Empresarios were paid for their expenses in addition to receiving land.

Austin Goes to Mexico CityAugustin de Iturbide falls from power and the Imperial Colonization Law is canceled

Austin pleads his case with officials

Austin Goes to Mexico City

New government upheld his contract under the terms of the canceled Imperial Colonization Law

Received power to organize a local government and serve as judge for his colony.

Received the power to organize a militia — used to defend against Indians

In April of 1823, Stephen F. Austin returns to his colony in Texas.

The original colonists (first families) who settled Austin’s Colony are known as the “Old 300”.

Stephen F. Austin will forever be revered as …

“the father of Texas”.

Austin Goes to Texas

Write a detailed letter to Stephen F. Austin explaining why you are a perfect candidate to be allowed in Austin’s Colony. Make Stephen F. Austin really want you in his colony. Give specific examples to show you qualify.

Be ready to SHARE your letter!!!

Closing