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The secularization of Texas missions begins in February 1793 with the surpression of the San Antonio de Valero. The suppression of a mission marked the conversion of a permanent catholic community of Native Americans deeming them as citizens and given more rights and freedom though not complete independence from missionaries. This marks one of the first instances of reduced Spanish influence and control.
(88)
(https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth31110/m1/1/) -
At the start of the 19th century, Napoleon pushed Spain to cede Louisiana in an attempt to revive the French Empire in North America which did not go as planned, thus sold the territory to the U.S. in 1803. For decades, Spanish officials viewed the U.S's expansion as a threat hence this event marked an early sign of the end of Spanish rule.
101-104
https://schoolhistory.co.uk/modern/napoleon-bonaparte/ -
There has been civil unrest across New Spain for a long time, but over this period starting in the 19th century, that unrest reached a boiling point. In urban areas like Mexico City and Guadalajara, much of the population lived in poverty and expressed their discontent towards Spanish rule.
(114-116) -
In the area near the Sabine River on November 5th, 1806, General Wilkinson from the U.S. and Inspector Francisco Viana of Spain signed the Neutral Ground Agreement due to fears of both nations going to war. This agreement showed the rocky relationship between the United States and Spain since the Louisiana purchase in 1803.
106-108
https://www.slideserve.com/august-guerrero/chapter-8-anglo-american-colonization-of-texas -
With all the political and economic grievances of the criollos and mestizos, a revolution was inevitable, up stepped Father Miguel Hidalgo, a priest from the small town of Dolores, Queretaro. Hidalgo only wanted Mexico to be governed by Mexicans but the majority sought independence. Hidalgo was the face for Mexico's fight for independence until he was captured and executed by royalists on March 21st, 1811.
(116-117)
https://ar.inspiredpencil.com -
January 21st of 1811 marked the day Juan Bautista de las Casas a retired criollo militia officer began the Casas Revolt, the first Texas revolt against Spanish rule. Unfortunately for Casas, he did not gain enough supporters for his cause as in less than 3 months, he was overthrown. Although it was the first, it would not be the last Texas revolt against Spanish rule.
(118) -
Shortly after father Hidalgo's capture and execution on March 21st, 1811, Leadership for the revolt against Spanish rule was passed to father Jose Maria Morelos. Under his leadership, he brought Mexico closer to independence and drafted a constitution for Mexico. Morelos was able to get control of part of the country South of Mexico City organizing a congress that would formally declare Mexico's independence from Spain. Morelos was captured and executed in around November,1815.
(119 122) -
In February 1819, John Quicy Adams and Spanish ambassador Luis de Onis reached an agreement known as the Adams-Onis Treaty in which Spain keeps Texas but gives Florida to the U.S.
(128)
https://us-military.net/the-adams-onis-treaty/ -
Signed in February 24th, 1821, the Plan of Iguala was an agreement between a royalist officer Agustin Iturbide and rebel Vicente Guerrero. The document proclamates Mexico as an independent nation, maintains the Catholic church in Mexican society, and declares equality between criolles and peninsulares. This marked the end of Spanish rule.
(129)
https://pulsoslp.com.mx/cultura/el-plan-de-iguala-el-documento-que-abre-la-independencia-de-mexico/1263817 -
The Mexican Federal Constitution was enacted in 1824 had aspects of Spanish, French, and American political thought particularly of the U.S. constitution. It declared Catholisism as the only religion in the country and established the First Mexican Republic.
(138-139)
https://www.lhistoria.com