steps towards revolution 1827-1836 ch. 6, sections 4 & 5
TRANSCRIPT
Political Fighting in Mexico-Two political parties fought for power
*Federalists: Separate states form a Nat’l. government. Ind. States hold most of the power (U.S. as a model)*Centralists: Favored strong central gov’t. States would have little power Most Texans supported - Federalists!-lived under federalism in U.S.-distrusted strong central gov’t.-gov’t in Mexico City too far away to pay attention to their needs!
Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna-Leader of the Federalists-Texas settlers pledged loyalty to HIM in
Turtle Bayou Res. 1832: Santa Anna tried to overthrow
Centralist gov’t of A. Bustamante*Led to civil war (Mex.)!-Texas settlers gained control
The Convention of 1832-Settlers believed a Federalist gov’t. would
be responsive to their needs-Held on Oct. 1, 1832- Stephen F. Austin chosen as leader*Wanted: 1. U.S. immigration to resume 2. TX become a separate Mexican state*Meeting failed! Not legal meeting under
Mex. Law-Requests were NOT sent to the government!
The Convention of 1833-Santa Anna won civil war – became
President-Feds. now held power-Victory led to another meeting-Began April 1, 1833-Delegates asked for:1. Better mail service2. Improved defense against Native raids3. Reform of the courts4. Right to use English in business/law
-William H. Wharton chosen as leader-Demanded: an end on the U.S.
immigration ban, more money for schools, better defense against Natives, U.S. become independent state.
-Drafted a state constitution for Texas! -Committee led by…..Sam Houston!-Needed a messenger….
The Messenger!-Stephen F. Austin was chosen to
present their resolutions to Santa Anna
-He left in April 1833
Austin in Mexico City-Austin arrived in Mex. City in July 1833-Santa Anna not assumed position of Pres.
b/c of poor health-VP Gomez Farias acted as Pres. and
Austin had to present the requests of the Con. Of 1833 to him.
Austin waited….and waited…and waited…..
-By Oct. he had no more patience!-Warned Farias that failure to act could
lead Texans to take action!!!
-Farias took this as a threat! Meeting ended in anger
-Austin wrote a letter to the delegates in San Antonio telling them to begin to set up a state gov’t. for TX WITHOUT the approval of the national gov’t.
-In Nov., Santa Anna finally met with Austin and agreed end the ban on immigration to TX but refused separate statehood for TX
-Dec. 1833, Austin left Mexico City having made progress and headed back to TX
Austin Imprisoned-Mexican authorities in Saltillo had read
Austin’s letter to the delegates in Texas… they weren’t too happy…
-Austin was arrested in January 1834 and sent BACK to Mexico City
Texans were appalled… they asked for Austin’s release…
Federalist acts:During Austin’s imprisonment…..
*1834 was better because reforms Santa Anna promised began –
-English became official language-Immigrants from U.S. were allowed in-Improved courts-Increased number of Texas representatives in the state legislature of Coahuila-Religious tolerance was granted
Santa Anna Changes Sides!-Federalists had powerful enemies!-Reduced role of Catholic Church &Military-To increase his power, Santa AnnaSided w/the Church & military!!*He seized gov’t. from Farias*Abolished Const. of 1824*Reversed Fed. Policies*Dissolved Mex. State legislatures*Placed states under rule of army!
Reaction in Texas!-1835, trouble began again in Anahuac!-General Martin de Cos (Santa Anna’s
brother-in-law) was sent to TX to break up state government
-Cos made plans to bring in more troops-Some settlers angry about this – June
1835, small group led by William Travis captured Anahuac (garrison)
-Many settlers disagreed with Travis’ actions and sent messages to Cos promising to remain loyal
-Cos called for the arrest of the rebels-Rebels would face a military trial and
possible execution! -Settlers would not turn in men to face a
military court trial-Believed in trial by jury!! -Cos never captured these men!
Relations with Mexico Worsen!
-Summer 1835 – tensions worsened-Settlers began to organize
-Created committees of safety and correspondence: local groups told people what was happening
The Consultation-Nov. 3, 1835 – Reps. from many TX towns
would decide the state’s future
The Return of Stephen F. Austin
-After being imprisoned for 1 ½ years, Austin was released… -He returned to TX that Sept.–over 2 years since leaving!!!*Austin lost all hope for peace now that Santa Anna becamea centralist dictator!