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Spanish Missions in Texas
Spanish missionaries worked to establish missions across Texas, particularly in areas like San Antonio and East Texas. These missions aimed to convert Native Americans to Christianity and integrate them into Spanish society, strengthening Spain's claim to the region. This was achieved by teaching farming practices and religious traditions, creating a foundation for cultural and economic development in Texas.(88) (Image Source: https://www.tshaonline.org/handbook/entries/spanish-missions) -
Mexican War of Independence
On September 16, 1810, Miguel Hidalgo and Mexican revolutionaries began the Mexican War of Independence to overthrow Spanish rule and create an independent nation. Though the fight took place in Mexico, it affected Texas as part of Spanish territory. The revolution involved uprisings and battles against Spanish forces. (116-117) (Image Source: https://www.sndigital.mx/mexico/63982-mexico-conmemorara-el-209-aniversario-del-grito-de-dolores-con-el-gobierno-de-la-cuarta-transformacion.html) -
Juan Bautista de las Casas Revolt
In January 1811, Juan Bautista de las Casas and local revolutionaries led a revolt against Spanish rule in San Antonio. Inspired by the Mexican independence movement, they overthrew Spanish officials and declared independence for Texas. (118) (Image Source: https://www.tshaonline.org/handbook/entries/mexican-war-of-independence) -
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Gutierrez-Magee Expedition
Between 1812 and 1813, Bernardo Gutierrez de Lara and Augustus Magee led a rebellion in East Texas to fight against Spanish rule and create an independent Texas. They formed an army and successfully captured key locations like Nacogdoches and San Antonio, marking an important attempt at independence. (120) (Image Source: http://gutierrez-magee.texhist.com/2017/01/a-short-history-of-expedition.html) -
Battle of Medina
On August 18, 1813, Spanish royalist forces defeated the Republican Army of the North near San Antonio. The battle ended the rebellion and secured Spanish control over Texas. (122) (Image Source: (Image Source: https://sanantonioreport.org/finding-medina-the-battle-of-medina-revisited/) -
Jean Lafitte Occupies Galveston
From 1817 to 1820, French pirate Jean Laffite established a base on Galveston Island. He used the settlement to conduct smuggling and privateering operations, profiting from illegal trade and piracy in the region. His actions made Galveston a hub for maritime crime during that period. (126) (Image Source: https://www.galvestonhistorycenter.org/research/jean-laffite) -
Moses Austin's Colonization Plan
In 1820, Moses Austin planned to bring American settlers to Texas to increase the population and help the economy. He met with Spanish officials in San Antonio to get permission for his colonization plan. (102) (Image Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moses_Austin) -
Mexico Gains Independence Under the Plan de Iguala
On August 24, 1821, Mexico gained independence from Spain after years of conflict and negotiation. This marked the end of Spanish rule and the beginning of Mexico as a sovereign nation, with Texas included as part of its territory. (135) (Image Source: https://www.imagenradio.com.mx/plan-de-iguala-etapa-final-de-la-guerra-de-la-independencia) -
Stephen F. Austin's Colonization Efforts
In 1821, Stephen F. Austin brought American settlers to the Brazos River region in Texas under Mexican rule. He secured a land grant from Mexican authorities to fulfill his father's plan and help develop the area. (134) (Image Source:
https://www.tsl.texas.gov/treasures/giants/austin/austin-01) -
Mexican Constitution of 1824
On October 4, 1824, Mexico adopted a republican constitution in Mexico City to establish its political structure after gaining independence. The Constitution of 1824 organized Texas as part of the state of Coahuila y Tejas and outlined governance rules for the new nation. (138) (Image Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1824_Constitution_of_Mexico)