Texas Independence and Its Impact on American-Mexican Relations

In 1830, Mexico banned U.S. immigration to Texas due to slavery concerns. American settlers, however, defied Mexican laws, leading to tensions. By 1835, Mexican President Santa Ana's centralization efforts sparked rebellion. The Battle of the Alamo and subsequent battles led to Texas gaining independence. Texas sought U.S. statehood, but slavery issues delayed it until 1845. Texas later seceded as the U.S. faced civil war over slavery.

Why did Mexico open its northern territory to American immigrants in the early 1820s?

• To protect the region from Native American tribes

• To establish new cities

• To increase trade with the United States

• To promote cultural exchange

What was one of the conditions American settlers had to agree to when moving to Mexican territory?

• To convert to Catholicism

• To pay higher taxes

• To serve in the Mexican army

• To build schools

What was the main reason Mexico banned immigration from the United States in 1830?

• To reduce population density

• To prevent cultural assimilation

• To stop the spread of Protestantism

• To maintain control and keep slavery out

What action by Mexican President Santa Ana led to increased tensions with the settlers in Tejas?

• He increased taxes on settlers

• He repealed the 1824 Constitution

• He banned all trade with the United States

• He declared war on the settlers

What was the outcome of the Battle of the Alamo?

• Santa Ana's forces captured the mission

• Santa Ana's forces were defeated

• The battle ended in a truce

• The settlers successfully defended the mission

How did General Sam Houston contribute to Texas gaining independence?

• He negotiated a peace treaty with Santa Ana

• He led a surprise attack at San Jacinto

• He organized a blockade of Mexican ports

• He formed an alliance with Native American tribes

What was a major factor that influenced Texas's bid for independence?

• Pressure from European powers

• The discovery of gold

• The booming cotton industry

• Desire for religious freedom

What was a significant challenge Texas faced as an independent nation?

• Lack of natural resources

• Economic instability and border disputes

• Inability to form a government

• Resistance from Native American tribes

Why was Texas's admission to the Union in 1845 short-lived?

• It was annexed by Mexico

• It was divided into smaller states

• It faced economic collapse

• It seceded due to the issue of slavery

What was the irony in Texas's struggle for statehood after gaining independence?

• It became a free state immediately

• Slavery, which influenced independence, hindered statehood

• It was quickly annexed by another country

• It faced no opposition in Congress