The Mexican Government Asserts Control over Anglo Texas

Students learn about the Mexican Constitution of 1824. They describe three events that were precursors to the Texas Revolution—the Fredonia Rebellion, the Mier y Terán Report, and the Law of April 6, 1830. They identify how these events led to the Mexican government’s fear of a rebellion and the Anglos’ frustration with the government.

This learning experience is designed for device-enabled classrooms. The teacher guides the lesson, and students use embedded resources, social media skills, and critical thinking skills to actively participate. To get access to a free version of the complete lesson, sign up for an exploros account.

Engage

Overview

In this experience, students learn about the Mexican Constitution of 1824. They describe three events that were precursors to the Texas Revolution—the Fredonia Rebellion, the Mier y Terán Report, and the Law of April 6, 1830. They identify how these events led to the Mexican government’s fear of a rebellion and the Anglos’ frustration with the government.

Students will collaborate in small groups for scene 2 and scene 3.

Objectives:

Compare and contrast the Mexican Constitution of 1824 to the United States Constitution
Identify important facts about the Fredonian Rebellion, the Mier y Teran Report, and Law of April 6, 1830
Identify steps the Mexican government took to strengthen its control over Anglo Texas

Mexico gained independence from Spain in 1821 after more than a decade of conflict. Independence brought major changes to the new nation, including decisions about how Mexico would govern its large territory and strengthen its northern regions.

Mexican leaders encouraged settlement in Texas as one way to increase population, develop the economy, and strengthen control of the region. Colonization laws allowed empresarios to recruit families and establish colonies. In 1824, Mexico also adopted a new constitution that created a federal republic and divided power between the national government and the states. Texas became part of the state of Coahuila y Tejas.

At first, many Anglo-American settlers supported Mexico's federal system. Over time, however, disagreements developed over how Texas should be governed and how Mexican laws should be enforced.

In this lesson, you will examine why the Mexican government became increasingly concerned about conditions in Texas and the actions it took to strengthen its control of the region.

Objectives:

Compare and contrast the Mexican Constitution of 1824 to the United States Constitution
Identify important facts about the Fredonian Rebellion, the Mier y Teran Report, and Law of April 6, 1830
Identify steps the Mexican government took to strengthen its control over Anglo Texas

Based on the map, what can you conclude about the relationship between U.S. territory and Mexican territory in 1824?

Answers may vary.

Mexico is very large.
Texas is part of Mexico.
The United States has many states in the northeast, but only territories in the northwest and Midwest.
Part of what is now Texas was disputed land between Arkansas and Mexico.

Divide students into their small groups for the next two scenes. When everyone is ready to continue, unlock the next scene.