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Due to the fall of many native American tribes, much land was up for grabs in the Texas region. By the 1790s, the Caddo people were all but stink, leaving large clearings perfect for raising livestock and horses. By 1810, more than fourteen registered and secure rances were operating within east Texas, and the rise of one of Texas' biggest industries and Texas land was considered valuable. (95)
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Due to the increasing presence and perceived threat of Anglo-Americans in the region. This fear of American expansionism was a significant concern for Spanish authorities and fueled their efforts to strengthen their hold on Texas. This underlying tension would later contribute to the instability that allowed the Mexican War of Independence to take hold. (108) (90)
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In 1808, Napoleon invaded Spain and forced the abdication of the Spanish king, Ferdinand VII. He replaced him with his brother, Joseph Bonaparte -
To secure Texas against Anglo and native American expansion, Governor Cordero pushed settlements along the Camino Real. He founded Salcedo on the Trinity River with Bexar families and Louisiana emigrants. This initiative strengthened the Spanish presence and aimed to stabilize the border. This is the start of Spain's efforts to solidify control over Texas amidst growing external pressures and highlights the diverse groups shaping early Texas. -
San Marcos de Neve was established by Felipe Roque de la Portilla. in 1808. The Spanish government, concerned about increasing American influence and illegal immigration into Texas, wanted to strengthen their hold on the region. Establishing settlements was a way to assert control over the land and prevent further encroachment. (111) -
To secure the vulnerable settlement of San Marcos, Governor Cordero enlisted the help of Felipe Roque de la Portilla, a Spanish military officer with experience in Nuevo Santander. Cordero offered Portilla a substantial land grant and financial assistance for the families he recruited. In response, Portilla assembled a group of settlers and a large number of livestock, leading them to San Marcos in April 1808. (111)
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In the early morning of September 16, 1810, Mexican history was changed forever as Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla, a catholic priest, Called for the church bells to ring over the town. Hidalgo stepped onto the front steps of his church and delivered the Empowering call to Arms now known as the "Cry of Dolores." Hidalgo never outright declared independence from Spain. However, no definition of his speech sparked the Mexican War for independence. -
Due to increasing attacks, San Marcos attracted no new settlers after the first few months. Due to a dwindled population and Spain's difficulties on the mainland, San Marcos was abandoned. This shows the overall instability and weakening of Spanish authority, (111) -
After Hidalgo's death, Jose Maria Morelos became the new leader of the revolutionary army. He quickly proved to be a better military tactician than Hidalgo, managing to establish control over a considerable portion of the country. (112) -
In an attempt to populate its northern borders, the new country of Mexico permitted a colony of Anglo-Americans to settle in Texas. This effort appealed to the less fortunate families on the southern border, helping to jumpstart the Texas population. This Influx of Anglo-American settlers potentially played a large part in the struggle between the land of Texas and Mexico, leading to its later revolution and succession. (170) -
under the Plan de Iguala, Mexico gained independence; Agustín de Iturbide marched into Mexico City to a triumphal reception on September 28th, 1821. Mexico was now its country, but There was still a lot to be done in the new nation (136)