Before the Annexation

  • Mar 25, 1500

    The Start

    Beginning in the 1500s, Europe began to explore and claim parts of North America.
  • Breaking Free

    Spain built a mission along the San Antonio River as a first step to making the territory north of Mexico into a bigger zone against other powers.Spain founded its first colony in Texas, sending fifty-five settlers from the Canary Islands to set up homes.
  • Not out yet

    Spain and the United States signed the Neutral Ground Agreement to establish temporary borders.
  • Almost There

    The two countries signed the Adams-Onís Treaty, fixing the U.S.-Spanish border at the Sabine River. This was also apart of the cession of Florida.
  • Texas' turn

    When Mexico took over , Mexican authorities found themselves in the same boat as the Spanish: they wanted to change Texas from a dangerous to a safe and civilized place but lacked any means of doing so.
  • Free

    Mexico finally outdid the Spanish and gained independence.
  • Learning the way

    Immigration was further debated when President John Quincy Adams and Secretary of State Henry Clay opened negotiations with Mexico to try to buy east Texas.
  • Growing

    American ppopulation in Texas had grown to around 25,000 people, and Mexico was having second thoughts about the reason they were attracted to coming the Frointer.
  • Growing Apart

    Mexico had no intention of giving up its nnorthern territory . Instead the Mexican government decided to quit further American immigration. To hold on to Texas, it decided on a new tack of encouraging Mexican settlement and European immigration, building up its military presence in Texas, and creating a strong trade along the Texas coast. These new priorities were codified as the Law.
  • Uh oh

    The acts of civil disobedience led Mexico to crack down harder. Events spun out of control, eventually resulting in the legendary Texas Revolution .