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Napoleon Captures Louisiana
Napoleon was a very violent and battle hungry leader. It was inevitable that he would eventually try to take back Louisiana and return it to French ruling. Unsurprisingly "In 1800 Napoleon Bonaparte forced Spain to cede Louisiana" (Tyler 101). This was just territory that Spain had no use of for the most part especially the great plains. This land was not a difficult thing for them to part with to avoid war with the French. -
Louisiana Purchase
Napoleon planned on using this territory to "resurrect the French empire in North America" (Tyler 102). When his plans failed however he sold this territory to the united states for a price of 15 million dollars. Napoleon used that money to go start other wars. The United States used this purchase to claim "everything east of the Rio Grande" (Tyler 102). This contributed to a large majority of westward expansion in the united states, which lead to the need to inhabit and colonize Texas. -
Bastrop proposes Texas settlements
The Baron of Bastrop was pivotal in Texas' colonization during the early 19th century. Settling in San Antonio, he proposed a visionary plan in 1806 to the Spanish government. He talked of "establishing a colony between Bexar and the Trinity River" (Tyler 106) His ideas, approved by the Spanish Crown, laid the groundwork for Texas' cultural and economic growth, leaving a lasting legacy in the region's history. -
Neutral Ground Agreement
"In order to diffuse the situation Commandant General Nemicio Salcedo proposed establishing a neutral ground." (Tyler 107) This neutral ground was proposed to be put in place primarily in order to protect their Indian allies, which lived in between Texas and Louisiana. This ground also allowed for peaceful trading with the local natives and to stop troops of opposite sides from trying to advance through this territory to try to claim it for themselves, leading to a war. -
San Marcos de Neve
"The first town to be established was San Marcos de Neve" (Tyler 111). San Marcos de Neve played a vital role in Texas history. Positioned strategically along the San Marcos River. It was a huge network for trade between San Antonio and the eastern regions. Named after the town thrived as an agricultural and commercial center with adobe-style buildings surrounding a central plaza. Unfortunately, conflicts with Native Americans and external pressures led to its abandonment in 1812. -
Casas Revolt
The crown of Spain was a very unresponsive leader to the people of Texas in general. Especially to the people living in Bexar. This caused these people to stage a revolt backing a priest named "Juan Manuel Zambrano" (Author 118). They successfully took over the town in this revolt and put in place a new governor by the name of Manuel Salcedo. Manuel dealing with the previous governors issues battled with shortages of "paper, clothing, candles, even horses" (Author 119). -
Battle of Medina
"Arredono's royalist army fought Toledo's 1400 man Republican Army of the North" (Tyler 122). This battle that occurred in 1813 turned out to be the bloodiest ever on Texas soil. This was a trained army fighting against a thrown together militia with dwindling hopes of revolution. It was a day long battle near the River of Medina that saw only 55 men killed from the royalist army where as only a couple survived from the Republican Army of the North. -
Pirates of Galveston
Galveston Island was home to a notorious enclave of pirates and insurgents "led by Mexican rebel agent Manuel de Herrera" in 1817 (Tyler 126). They took a hold of the mouth of the trinity river which was allowing the import of grain and other resources making it challenging for the bale bodied men to do their farming activities. However, naval blockades and shifting alliances eventually led to the pirates demise. -
Adams-Onis Treaty
The Adams-Onis Treaty reached a great compromise. This compromise said, "Spain would keep Texas but give up Florida" (Tyler 128). This was a strategic move by Adams as he assumed they would only be in control of Mexico for a while. This led to Texas possibly becoming a state automatically. This treaty known as the "Transcontinental Treaty" (Tyler 128) passed. Additionally, the agreement marked a significant diplomatic achievement for Adams, navigating a delicate relationship with Spain. -
Mexican Independence
After years of intense conflict and various leadership changes, Mexico achieved independence through "The Plan of Iguala on February 24 of 1821" (Tyler 129). Agustín de Iturbide helped to create and sign the Plan of Iguala. The signing of the Plan of Iguala marked the formal recognition of Mexico as an independent nation by the Spanish rebels. The Plan of Iguala made Mexico catholic, an independent monarchy, and established equality between all of the members of the new Mexico.