Major Events & Dates
In what year did Mexico gain independence from Spain?
1821
Who called for Mexico’s independence with the “Grito de Dolores”?
Father Miguel Hidalgo
What is an empresario?
A land agent who brought settlers to Texas
What is a constitution?
A written plan for government
Who were the Tejanos?
Spanish-speaking Texans of Mexican heritage
Why do historians divide Texas history into eras?
To organize and compare events with similar characteristics
Who led the Republican Army of the North?
José Gutiérrez de Lara
What law allowed empresarios to bring settlers into Texas?
State Colonization Law of 1825
How did the Mexican Constitution of 1824 organize government?
It created a federal republic with shared power
What is naturalization?
Becoming a citizen of another country
What battle in 1813 was the deadliest in Texas history?
Battle of Medina
Who is known as the “Father of Texas”?
Stephen F. Austin
Which empresario founded a colony near Gonzales?
Green DeWitt
Which law allowed Anglo settlers to move to Texas?
Colonization Law of 1825.
Give an example of settlers adapting to the environment.
Building farms and irrigation ditches
What event in 1824 established a federal system in Mexico?
Mexican Federal Constitution of 1824
Who was the only Mexican-born empresario?
Martín De León
What were settlers required to do before receiving land in Mexico?
Become Catholic and pledge loyalty to Mexico
Why did Mexico pass colonization laws?
To encourage settlement and strengthen control over Texas
How did settlers maintain their cultural heritage?
By keeping traditions, religion, and language
What was the Adam-Onis Treaty of 1819?
An agreement that gave Florida to the US and defined the borders of the Louisiana Purchase.
Which Tejano helped Stephen F. Austin negotiate land grants in Mexico?
Erasmo Seguín
How did the empresario system affect Texas?
Encouraged Anglo settlement and population growth
What issue caused tension between settlers and Mexico?
Slavery was illegal in Mexico but practiced by settlers
What is a primary source? Give one example.
A firsthand account (ex: diary, letter, artifact)