When Mexico gained independence from Spain, it wanted to bring settlers to Texas to control the region and protect it from Native American groups and the U.S. To do this, Mexico worked with empresarios, or land agents, to recruit settlers. Settlers received land and even exemptions to keep their slaves, even though Mexico was anti-slavery. Also, Mexico did not send people who owed money back to the U.S., so Texas became a safe place for those trying to escape their debts.

Tensions grew between settlers and the Mexican government because settlers resisted converting to Catholicism and felt unprotected from Native American attacks. Mexico’s decision to abandon its constitution and centralize power in the 1830s caused further distrust. Many settlers still felt connected to the U.S. and disliked Mexico’s strict rules and slavery ban.

As towns grew, conflicts increased. Protestant settlers clashed with Mexico’s Catholic rules, and Anglo settlers looked down on Mexican Tejanos, causing divisions. Settlers wanted more local control, especially over slavery, while Mexico tried to enforce its authority, which added to the tension.

These issues got worse over time. Mexico’s stricter policies, like banning U.S. immigration and taxing settlers, made colonists angry. Although settlers and Mexico initially worked together, conflicts over religion, laws, and rights eventually led to the fight for independence.

Source: Anglo-American Colonization
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